Follow Your Heart

[Danni02]

Thank you Red Ranger 1, CharlieAndBraxLover, Spotd1, RoRo90 and Sarah for the comments.

One hundred and one

Rose was in the office, trying to sooth Freya as she cried in her arms. “You know this was not part of my job description.” Rose sighed. She’d been working in the restaurant for a few weeks now and Heath was impressed with her work.

“But you’ll do it for me, right?” Heath said as he winked.

“As long as it’s a one off,” Rose said before flashing him a smile. “You busy out there?” Rose questioned, looking to Heath with her big blue eyes that Heath found captivating.

Heath sighed. “Not our usual Friday night, pretty quiet really.”

Rose raised her eyebrows. “Well looks like you picked the right night to bring the little one to work then hmm,” Rose said before looking back down at Freya who was still crying in her arms. “You’re wife still crazy?” Rose asked.

“She’s not crazy,” Heath sighed. “She’s just.....I’m a little scared to leave Freya on her own with her. The last time that happened it caused my brother to go blind, my nephew to break his leg and oh yeah, that was because my wife ran out in front of a car trying to kill that gorgeous little girl there.” Heath said, pointing to Freya.

“Well I don’t know how anyone could try to kill such a little sweetheart,” Rose cooed. “Although you are not being a sweetheart right now, are you?” Rose questioned, rubbing Freya’s back. “What’s wrong bubba?”

“Maybe she wants her mummy,” Rose and Heath looked around as they heard a voice. “Heath, what the hell are you doing?” April walked further into the office.

“Doing what’s best for my daughter.” Heath said, glancing at April.

“What’s best for her?” April sniggered. “If you wanted what’s best for her then she’d be at home, in her cot where her mother was watching over her,” April looked to Rose before glancing at Freya who was still crying in her arms, and pretty much had been for the near two hours they’d been at the restaurant. “Not in the office of a restaurant. That’s no place for a baby who’s just 6 weeks old.”

“What so it’s better she’s left with someone who wanted to kill her?” Heath retorted.

“Oh my....” April trailed off as she shook her head. “You have to let that go,” April said looking from Heath to Rose then pointing to Freya. “She’s safe and Bianca has had the best help possible for her PND. She’s trying to get a connection with that child and you are only making things worse by keeping her away from Bianca.”

“Well I am scared of what she is going to do.” Heath replied.

“All she wants is to be a mother to her,” April raised her voice. “You need to work. Bianca is at home. Seriously now Heath, where do you think the best place for her to be right now is?” April questioned, looking back to him.

“With someone who didn't want to....” Heath trailed off. “Argh,” Heath sighed out in frustration. “She should be at home,” Heath pursed his lips together. “But that doesn’t mean -”

“Well I agree completely.” April stepped forward, taking Freya in her arms, the little girl showing just how much of a fine set of lungs she had, her crying still going on.

“April.” Heath went to step forward, still not really wanting to let Freya out of his sight and be left with Bianca.

“Heath, stop it,” April sighed. “I’ll be there. Bianca isn’t going to be alone therefore she won’t try anything stupid,” April said. “Not that she would have,” April added with a mumble. “Now have a nice night at work and don’t worry about Freya. She’s going to be perfectly fine.” April picked up the nappy before making a quick exit from the restaurant.

Heath took a deep breath before looking at the door. “I need to get my daughter back.” Heath said, making to walk out of the room but Rose stepped forward, putting her hand on his arm to stop it.

“Your sister-in-law is right,” Rose spoke softly. “Freya should be at home. And she said she’ll watch her too,” Rose said gently caressing his arm. “You should just stay at work. Can’t be all bad. You get to hang out with me, right?” Rose gave a little smile as her eyebrows raised a little.

Heath pursed his lips together as he once again looked to her eyes, they were big and a deep, deep blue that you were just drawn too. “Yeah, let’s get back to work then.” Heath said, the pair of them lingering there for a moment before leaving the office to get back to work.

******

Charlie squeezed the hand cream onto her before closing the lid, putting the bottle back on the bedside table. She rubbed the cream into her hands as she looked to the side as Brax came out of their bathroom. “You want to pass me Luca?” Charlie questioned. “He’s due a feed.”

“Uhm,” Brax started to walk slower as he rubbed the back of his head. “Where uhm...” Brax looked around, but obviously he couldn’t see anything.

Charlie, knowing what he was wanting to ask, spoke. “The moses basket is between the door to the bathroom and my bedside table,” Charlie told him. Brax got his bearings before walking to his right, being slow in case he went too far and banged into the wall. “Go towards the bathroom a little more,” Charlie told him and Brax took a few steps to the side before his hand found the side of the moses basket. “Don’t look so worried.” Charlie told him, watching with a smile on her face as he picked up his son, holding him close to his chest. Charlie lifted her singlet up, so she could feed her son.

“I’m just so scared I’ll bang into something with him or something.” Brax walked over the bed, stopping at Charlie’s side and passing Luca down to her. Charlie took her son into her arms before he immediately started to suckle.

“You know the house Brax.” Charlie told him as he shuffled himself around to his side of the bed, getting in and sitting down next to her, putting an arm around her as she rested her head against his chest.

“I know, but I....” Brax trailed off. Charlie looked up to him and saw his eyes were misting over and his nose was flaring. He was trying hard not to cry, but Charlie knew him all too well and knew he wanted to. “It’s just hard enough being blind, never mind having this brand new son that you’re not ever going to get to see.”

“I know it must be awful,” Charlie exhaled. “But the hugs have to mean something right?”

“Of course they do,” Brax answered. “I just wish I knew what the baby I was hugging looked like.”

“Imagine baby Noah,” Charlie told him. “Honestly Brax he is his double. And you as a baby. You three could be like 3 peas in a pod.” Charlie screwed her face up a little at her own version of the saying.

Brax sighed as he put his hand out, lightly rubbing Luca’s head as he fed. “Charlie I.....are you doing okay with not seeing Bianca?”

Charlie pursed her lips together. “I haven’t really had much time to think about it,” Charlie answered. “I mean you told me then that night I went into labour and was at the hospital for the day then got home today and well, we’ve been busy with this little one.” Charlie told him.

“But you’d not see her?” Brax asked.

“I’m not going to lie to you, Brax, it’ll be hard. She’s like my sister, but,” Charlie clicked her tongue. “A part of me doesn’t want to talk to her anyways after what she did. I know it wasn’t on purpose but....well reality is you are this way because of her actions and....” Charlie trailed off. “I’ll miss her though.”

Brax pursed his lips together. “I have right to want things this way.”

“I know you do,” Charlie answered. “And you are my husband and I love you more than anything and if it’s going to be too hard for you then I’ll respect that.” Charlie exhaled.

“And with Heath....it’s only because of the girls,” Brax told her. “If they didn’t exist then....well if Freya didn’t exist then I’d be able to see my son right now,” Brax took a deep breath before looking to the side as he heard Charlie’s phone beeping. Charlie picked her phone up and saw she had a text from Bianca. She got a strange feeling in the pit of her stomach before opening the text. Hey, April and I are taking the girls to the beach tomorrow. You, Brax and the kids should come. It would be fun. I think we need to talk anyways and build some bridges....tell Brax I will never be sorry enough for what I’ve caused. Hope you’ll consider coming. xx “Who’s that?” Brax questioned.

“Uhm....network. Some offer on texts if I top up now.” Charlie said.

“Network at this time of night?” Brax screwed his face up.

“Yeah.” Charlie spoke quickly as she threw her phone back down onto the bedside table before looking down to her son who was still happily feeding from her. She pursed her lips together wondering if Brax would ever cool over the Bianca situation and wondered if one day, they could actually have a nice family day at the beach with them.

[Danni02]

Thank you Red Ranger 1, Sarah, CharlieAndBraxLover, Zoe, Chax, Spotd1 and Sabrina for the comments.

One hundred and two

Rose put the last chair up onto the table before looking up at Heath, who was standing behind the bar, where he’d been counting up the money. She saw he was watching her and she gave him a smile as she walked over, leaning down against the bar in a way which pushed her cleavage out a little. “Anything else you want me to do?”

“No,” Heath put the money into the cashbox and locked it before picking up the book and the box and walked through to the office, Rose following behind him. “You can go home.” Heath said, knowing she’d followed him into the room.

“I could,” Rose spoke softly. “Or we could stay a little longer,” Rose put her hands onto his shoulders and started to gently massage them. “Looks like you could do with a drink.”

“I’d love one,” Heath answered as he closed the safe. “But I need to get back to Freya.”

“Maybe leaving her with your wife a little longer is for the best,” Rose said. “She needs to bond.”

Heath exhaled as he turned to face her. “How do I trust her again, Rose?” Heath asked, Rose seeing how much he wanted to when she looked into his eyes.

Rose shrugged a little. “By letting her spend time alone with her daughter. You’ll see she’s not going to harm her and therefore will can trust her again.”

“So what I’m supposed to just sit here on my own while they are bonding?” Heath questioned.

“No one ever said you’d have to be alone,” Rose ran her fingertips in circles over his arm as she gave him a suggestive smile. “You and me....we can....” Rose bit her lip, almost seductively. Heath gave a nervous sort of laugh. There was no doubt he found Rose attractive. She was a beautiful woman, with long wavy brown hair and gorgeous deep blue eyes. “I know you feel this too.” Rose whispered as she moved closer to him.

“We can’t,” Heath pulled back. “You’re....you’re too young for me.”

“I’m only 6 years younger,” Rose rolled her eyes. “So if age is all that’s stopping you...” Rose trailed off as she continued to run her fingertips in circles around his arm.

“Look, Rose you are gorgeous,” Heath said. “Like really really hot,” Heath knew this was just a little crush. A silly fantasy of having sex in the office with his employee. He knew they’d been flirting but he thought just it was a bit of harmless workplace banter. “But -”

“There doesn’t need to be a but,” Rose slowly moved her hands up his arms and wrapped them around his neck, pulling him closer to her. She fluttered her eyes at him as she smiled before placing a soft kiss against his lips. Heath pulled away, knowing deep down this was wrong but he didn’t know where he and Bianca were at the moment and it had been so long since he’d been intimate with his wife, he just wanted to feel that closeness, that connection with someone again. “Just give in to what you want.” Rose whispered, moving one of her arms from around his neck and gently cupping him down below. Heath moaned a little before he kissed her, their tongues finding each other’s mouths. Heath lifted Rose up and she wrapped her legs around his waist as he walked over to the desk and sat her down on it, the kiss only growing in passion.

******

Ruby sighed as she read over the sentence again; wanting to make sure she understood it. She muttered something before looking up, smiling a little as she saw her mother walking into the kitchen. “I thought you were in bed already.” Ruby said as she gave a little yawn, feeling tired herself.

“I couldn’t sleep,” Charlie answered as she opened the fridge and took out the orange juice and poured herself a glass. “And Luca is due another feed soon so no point trying only for a little while,” Charlie yawned as she walked over to the table and sat down. “I don’t actually think I’ve slept since I woke up in labour with him.”

Ruby widened her eyes but she wasn't actually that surprised. She knew she hated hospitals so couldn't get much sleep there but her mother did look exhausted. “If you want to sleep I can feed him for you. Take him into my room for the night.”

“Thanks for the offer but I am nowhere near having the time to express my milk,” Charlie put a hand onto her breast and winced. They were sore and engorged but she was a firm believe that breast was best for as long as possible so would always chose to breastfeed her children. “But as soon as I do find time you will be taken up on that offer,” Charlie yawned once again before taking a drink of her juice. “Going to try with Romeo again?” Charlie said gesturing to the laptop where a page on divorce was displayed.

“No point,” Ruby sighed. “Why did no one tell me that you need to be separated a year to file for divorce?”

“Oh I uhm....sorry it must have slipped my mind,” Charlie exhaled. “You know I was pregnant and Brax and I were only just back together...I didn't want to think about divorce when things were going so well for me.”

“Gee thanks,” Ruby exhaled. “So much for wanting to help your daughter.”

“Oh Ruby c’mon, you know I didn’t mean it that way,” Charlie rubbed her arm. “So you have to wait a few more months, is it that big a deal?”

“Well in the grand scheme of things, no, but do I wish I could end my connection with him right now? Yes,” Ruby sighed, running her hand over her forehead. “I wish I never married him in the first place.”

“Well I did try stopping you,” Charlie exhaled. “I knew deep down you didn’t want to be with Romeo. You were still wearing that necklace of yours for a start,” Charlie said and Ruby put her hand onto her necklace, smiling as she thought of April. “I think, well I think ever since you and April first got together it was always going to be Ruby and April.” Charlie gave a smile as she tucked Ruby’s hair behind her ear.

“I really do love her,” Ruby said, a big smile forming on her face. “I really know what it’s like to be in love now.”

“Well I am glad you have found that special someone,” Charlie smiled, placing her hand onto Ruby’s shoulder. “Just forget about his for a few more months, hmm? There’s nothing you can do so just enjoy being with April.”

“Yeah,” Ruby exhaled, looking back to the laptop. “Although it says we’ll need to do counselling because we’ve been married less than 2 years.”

“Rubes,” Charlie closed the laptop. “Leave it for now. Once you’ve been separated long enough we’ll apply to the courts for a divorce and see what they say, okay? I’m sure there will be a way for this to happen.”

“Okay.” Ruby gave a little nod before Charlie looked to her watch.

“I gotta go feed Luca,” Charlie stood up from the chair before leaning forward and placing a kiss on her daughter’s forehead. “Goodnight.”

“Goodnight.” Ruby said, opening her laptop again as Charlie walked out of the room.

“And Rubes,” Charlie turned to face her. “Cross that webpage off.” Charlie said pointing to the laptop and Ruby nodded her head as Charlie walked out of sight.

[Danni02]

Thank you Sarah, Spotd1, Zoe and Red Ranger 1 for the comments.

One hundred and three

Heath walked into the bedroom to see Bianca sitting watching over Freya as she slept. Bianca looked up and gave him a weak smile. “You’re home late.”

“Yeah. We were busy.” Heath answered, not making eye contact.

“Oh. April said it was quiet when she came for Freya.” Bianca looked back to her daughter, smiling as she saw her little chest moving up and down.

“Well we got busy after she left, okay?” Heath barked, kicking his work shoes off from his feet. “What you playing at getting your sister to come get her anyway?”

“I told her not too,” Bianca replied. “I was seeing to Katie and she left without me knowing.”

Heath exhaled loudly as he started to unbutton his shirt. “How is she?” Heath questioned, walking over to the moses basket and looking down at his sleeping daughter.

“She’s fine.” Bianca replied, her hand gently brushing over her little brow.

“Then why are you watching her?” Heath asked, throwing his shirt down on the chair.

“I uhm,” Bianca pursed her lips together. “I’m just making sure she is safe,” Bianca looked back up to Heath. “After Rocco, I....” Bianca trailed off. “You understand, right?” Heath pursed his lips together as he nodded. He watched as Bianca looked back down to Freya, her eyes lighting up as she rubbed her daughters arm. “I’m so sorry for what I did,” Bianca spoke quietly. “But I promise that’s behind me. I want to bond with her and I want us to move forward as a family. The four of us....but I,” Bianca took a moment to compose herself. “I can’t do this if you won’t leave her with me. Heath you have my word that I will never bring any harm on her. She’s my daughter, she’s....look at her,” Bianca sniffed back as she felt herself welling up. “She is gorgeous. Why would I want to harm her?”

Heath bowed his head down. He felt awful for what he’d just done. “It wasn’t you,” Heath mumbled. “I mean it was you, but, you weren’t yourself,” Heath walked round to where Bianca was sitting and bent down, putting his hand on her arm. “You were sick and I am sorry. I am so so sorry,” Heath cleared a lump from his throat. “Bianca I,” Heath exhaled. Should he confess? Should he stay quiet? “I’m so sorry. You’re right, I uhm...I do need to let you bond with her and we will get passed all this stuff and be a family. Me, you and our girls. It’s all I want. It is. Aww God Bianca.” Heath looked into his wife’s eyes as his hand went onto her cheek, rubbing it lightly.

“What?” Bianca questioned. “Why are you looking at me like that?”

“Because you are so beautiful,” Heath answered. “I...I just want us to be okay.” Heath knew he would devastate Bianca if he told her, but wanted to be honest as they tried to repair their marriage. He didn’t know what to do for the best. He didn’t just have himself to think about. He had Katie and Freya too, and they were the most important people in all of this.

“Me too,” Bianca told him, the smile on her face growing larger. “And we will be. We’re too much in love not to.”

Heath gave a little nod and managed a weak smile. “I’m just going to shower,” Heath told her, standing up and taking a few steps backwards. “You uhm....sleep here.” Heath pointed to their bed and Bianca gave a smile before Heath turned and walked out of the bedroom, not able to get the image of his betrayal from his mind.

******

Toby and Ella ran into the diner excited for their outing. It was the first time since turning blind that Brax had been willing to eat out with them. They’d chosen the diner for the first meal out as it was a well known place to Brax. Noah came in behind on his crutches before Brax and Ruby walked in, finally followed by Charlie with the pram. “Oh Darryl is here,” Colleen gasped as she put her hand onto Irene’s arm. “What do I say?”

“You tell him it’s nice to see him out.” Irene stated but Colleen had already scurried over to them.

“Hello,” Colleen squawked. “It’s awfully nice to see you out and about, Darryl,” Colleen patted his shoulder. “It’s Colleen by the way. Colleen Smart.”

Brax stifled a laugh. “I know it’s you Colleen. There’s no mistaking that lovely voice of yours.” Brax said.

“How are you?” Colleen shouted in his ear.

“I’m okay,” Brax rubbed his ear. “And you don’t need to shout. I went blind. I’m not hard of hearing.”

“Oh sorry,” Colleen apologised as her eyes caught sight of the pram. “And this must be little Lucas.” Colleen smiled, looking into the pram, Luca sleeping with his hands out above his head.

“No no, Mrs Smart,” Ella giggled. “His name is Luca.”

“Luca Thomas,” Noah said with a grin on his face. “Don’t forget the Thomas.”

Ella slapped her palm against her forehead, causing both Charlie and Ruby to wince at the slapping sound. “It’s just Luca.” Ella said, sounding frustrated at her brother.

“Luca has a willy,” Toby piped in. “But baby Freya don’t cos she a girl. Only boys have willy’s.” Toby said looking up to Colleen, his eyes all wide and serious looking.

Colleen looked shocked at Toby’s comment as she looked to Charlie and Brax who were trying to stop themselves from laughing. “We don’t need to talk about things like that bud.” Ruby ruffled her brother’s hair. Toby looked up at her and furrowed his eyebrows.

“Luca is cool baby,” Toby smiled back up at Colleen. “He’s no cries.” Toby shook his head as he held his hands out to the side.

“He has time to find his voice yet bud,” Brax said. “But we’ll take a relaxed, quiet baby too.” Brax muttered and Charlie gave a little laugh.

“Can we have 5 minutes before ordering, Colleen?” Charlie said as she looked up to her, Colleen to busy looking down at Luca to hear what was being said to her.

“Mrs Smart,” Ella raised her voice and Colleen looked down to her, jumping a little in fright. “We are not ready to order, go away.”

“Ella Mae,” Charlie glared at her daughter. “You don’t have to be rude.”

“I was just telling her to give us time,” Ella muttered resting her head against her hand as her elbow was propped up on the table. Colleen gave Luca one last look before she walked off back to the counter. Ruby picked up a menu from the table to decide what she wanted. “Oh daddy,” Ella said as she grabbed the other menu. “I can read you what’s on the menu so you know what to get.”

“Ah I think I’ve been here enough times to know the choices.” Brax gave a little laugh and Charlie watched as Ella bowed he head down, pouting sadly.

“Brax.” Charlie spoke quietly, putting her hand on his thigh underneath the table and rubbing it gently.

“On second thoughts petal it would be great if you could read me the choices.” Brax told her and Ella grinned before putting her finger just under the first choice, spelling it out under her breath before she started to read the choices out for her father.

******

Heath walked back into the house after his surf. He was out there trying not to think about his betrayal but couldn’t really think of any else. “Hey.” Heath said as he saw Bianca, April and the girls in the living room, watching as Freya watched the dangling flowers, bee’s and butterflies from her play mat. Katie kept knocking the flower rattle and Freya waved her arms out as she babbled excitedly.

“How was your surf?” Bianca questioned, standing up and walking closer to him.

“Good,” Heath answered. “How you doing Katie?”

Katie looked up at Heath with a scowl before looking back to her baby sister. Heath looked to Bianca, feeling a little confused at her response. “She wanted to surf.”

“Aww I’m sorry pumpkin,” Heath walked over to her and bent down, rubbing her back. “Daddy just needed some time out there alone. I’ll take you next time, huh?”

“You take me today,” Katie told him. “We going the beach soon.”

“I have to work,” Heath told her. “But tomorrow I can take you. I promise.”

Katie smiled as she nodded her head. “Promise promise?” Katie questioned and Heath nodded.

“I promise promise.” Heath said before kissing his daughters forehead.

“Kay I go get my beach stuff ready now mummy.” Katie said before looking up to Bianca as she stood to her feet and ran from the room. Bianca looked from April to Heath then back to April and April gave her a little nod.

“I’ll get this one ready.” April said, taking a deep breath as she looked at Freya, still finding it a little hard to be around her. She lifted her up before walking over to the nursery with her, leaving Bianca and Heath alone.

“So, who’s all going to the beach?” Heath asked.

“Uhm, just April, me and the girls so far,” Bianca answered still hoping that Charlie would reply to her text and join them. Heath gave a little nod and when Bianca saw he wasn’t about to speak, she spoke again. “So when you told me I could come back to our bed last night I thought you would be there too. You slept on the couch though.” Bianca looked down sadly.

“Yeah I know, I....” Heath rubbed the back of his head. “After my shower I sat down thinking for a bit and.....well I guess I feel asleep as I was still there when I woke up.”

.

“Right.” Bianca gave a little nod.

“Yeah anyways, I.....” Heath pointed to the bathroom. “I’m going to shower and get ready for work. Have a nice day at the beach with the girls and April.” Heath said before walking into the bathroom, closing the door and leaning back against it and shutting his eyes as he dreaded the thought of seeing Rose in only around an hour’s time

[Danni02]

Thank you Red Ranger 1, Spotd1 and Zoe for the comments.

One hundred and four

Bianca, with a little help from Katie pushed the pram into the diner. “Toby,” Katie shrieked as she saw her cousin at the back of the diner. “We is going to eat here too.” Katie let go of the pram and ran down towards them.

“We’ve eated,” Toby jumped down from the chair and over to his cousin. “Was yummy.”

“Oh is you coming to beach?” Katie asked. “We build sandcastles together.”

“Ah the beach,” Toby jumped up excitedly. “Can we mummy?” Toby looked around to her. Charlie stood up as she saw Bianca and April approaching them.

“Uhm, no buddy we can’t today.” Charlie answered and Toby pouted sadly.

“What we do then?” Toby asked, scratching the side of his head.

“We are just going to hang out at home.” Charlie held her hand out and Toby continued to pout before he walked back over to her.

“They won’t come mummy.” Katie looked up to Bianca as she arrived behind her.

“Oh that’s a shame,” Bianca exhaled. “Are you sure you can’t come?” Bianca looked up to Charlie and April walked over to Ruby. “The kids would have fun.”

Charlie looked to Brax before looking back to Bianca. “No, I....no we can’t come,” Charlie turned her head back to face her kids and husband. “Right guys if you are finished out you go.” Charlie said and Ella, Noah and Toby started to walk out of the diner and Brax stood to his feet.

Bianca exhaled before looking to the pram. “This must be Luca,” Bianca looked into the pram, smiling as she saw the little boy. “He is gorgeous. Congratulations,” Charlie gave her a smile before looking to Brax, seeing anger building up in him. “Looks just like his daddy.” Bianca smiled as she looked to Brax. “Brax I -”

Bianca started to talk but Brax cut her off. “I don’t want to hear your bull,” Brax said. “How sorry you are. How you wish it didn’t happen. Because it means nothing to me. They’re just meaningless words because no matter what you say it’s never going to change this for me.” Brax slapped his hand against his chest. April and Ruby glanced at each other before looking to Brax again.

“Brax.” Charlie exhaled softy as she stepped to the side, putting her hand on his arm.

“No,” Brax shrugged her away. “I need to say this,” Brax’s tone got louder, a few diner customers staring up at him. “Looks like me does he?” Brax asked. “How lovely for you to get to see that. Tell me something Bianca, what’s Freya wearing today?” Brax questioned. Bianca stared at him, open mouthed but not replying. “Hmm?” Brax said. “The least you can do is answer me when I talk to you.”

“She uhm....she has a light green dress on.” Bianca answered.

“Lovely. Now how about you tell me what my son is wearing because I sure as hell don’t even know that,” Brax spat. He waited on an answer but was met only with silence. “I’m talking to you, Bianca.”

“Uhm....a blue baby grow.” Bianca answered, Charlie hearing the break in her voice. She pursed her lips together, knowing her friend was about to cry.

“Brax,” Charlie rubbed his arm. “Let’s go. The kids are outside.”

Brax exhaled loudly before taking a few steps forward. Charlie looked to Ruby before looking to Brax. “I’ll see you later.” Ruby kissed April’s cheek before walking out of the diner with her step-father.

Charlie picked up her bag before putting her hands onto the handle of the pram. “Charlie I....we can be friends, right?” Bianca questioned.

“I’m sorry,” Charlie shook her head. “I’m sorry but we can’t.” Charlie said before pushing the pram out of the diner. Bianca watched as Charlie left and April could see how upset she looked. She stepped forward and rubbed her arm.

“It’ll take time.” April told her.

“Yeah mummy,” Katie copied what April was doing and rubbed her other arm. “It’ll take time,” Katie said. “You no be sad.” Bianca took a deep breath before lifting Katie up into her arms, giving her a hug. She rubbed her back as she kissed her temple, glad of the little girls comfort and only hoped that April was right and in time, she and Charlie would be able to be friends again.

******

Rose walked into the office, smiling as she saw Heath bending over, leaning into the safe to get the money to put it in the till for the day. “Hey.” Rose put her hand onto his buttocks and caressed them gently.

“Don’t,” Heath straightened himself up and turned to face her. “Look, yesterday was -”

“The best I’ve ever had,” Rose smiled, putting her hand onto his arm. “I can’t wait to do that again.” Rose bit her lip seductively as she batted her eyelashes at him.

“I’m sorry,” Heath told her. “It’s not going to happen again. I’m married, Rose. I love my wife so much and the fact I’ve betrayed her, I...” Heath pursed his lips together as he trailed off. He deeply regretted the stupid decision he’d made to sleep with her. He wished so much he could take it back, but of course he knew he couldn’t. He knew the only thing he could do was stay sensible and not sleep with Rose again.

“She turned your brother blind.” Rose argued.

“That doesn’t give me the right to sleep with someone else,” Heath pulled himself away from Rose, taking a few steps back from her. “Bianca and I want to be together.”

Rose shook her head. “And do you think she’ll still want to be with you when she knows you slept with me?” Rose questioned.

“Maybe she doesn’t need to find out.” Heath said.

Rose sniggered. “So you use me once for a bit of fun then expect me to keep it quiet?” Rose questioned. “I really really like you, Heath and clearly you have some sort of feelings for me considering you slept with me.”

“People make mistakes,” Heath told her. “I’m sorry but it was a mistake. I love Bianca and want to be with her,” Heath said. “Telling her is only going to hurt her and I don’t want to do that.”

“But it’s fine to hurt me?” Rose questioned. “Sleep with me once then toss me aside,” Rose threw her hands out to the side. “Well sorry, but I’m not accepting that.”

“Rose,” Heath sighed. “I’m married. I have the girls. Why can’t you look for someone who doesn’t have all that?”

“I don’t care about you being married or the fact you have kids,” Rose told him. “I like kids. We could have something really special,” Rose stepped forward once again placing her hand on his arm. “Give in to what you want.” Rose whispered before placing a soft kiss on his lips. Heath responded for a moment before pulling back, pushing Rose away from him.

“Don’t,” Heath said. “Rose this isn’t happening.”

“Fine,” Rose held her hands out in front of her. “Better hope I don’t run into that crazy baby murder attempting wife of yours.” Rose said before she walked out of the office, her heels banging hard against the floor as she left. Heath ran his hand over his forehead, thinking maybe he would need to tell Bianca and he’d need to do it fast, after all, this would be better on him if he was the one who confessed.

******

April knocked on the door before walking into Ruby’s bedroom. “Hey, your mum let me in,” April said, watching as Ruby stopped strumming on her guitar. “You writing more songs for me?” April grinned as she walked over to the bed.

“No.” Ruby shook her head as April looked down to the notepad.

“Why am I trapped?” April read the words out loud. “Something you want to share with me?” April questioned, sitting down next to her girlfriend. “We’re okay, right?”

“Of course we are, dummy,” Ruby hit April’s thigh. “It’s about the fact I can’t divorce yet.”

April rolled her eyes. “Why are you letting it get to you?” April questioned. “There’s nothing that can be done about it and anyways, surely it can’t be that much longer till you can start the process?” April gave her a questioning look before tucking her hair behind her ear.

“10 weeks.” Ruby exhaled.

“See that’s not long,” April said. “I’m sure we could fill ten weeks up in no time.” April grinned before leaning forward and placing a soft kiss on Ruby’s lips.

Ruby smiled as she pulled back. “What about the counselling thingy though?”

“It’s not mandatory, right?” April questioned and Ruby shook her head. “Well then just say you don’t want to go.”

“I have a feeling Romeo is going to say he wants too.” Ruby pursed her lips together.

“Well if you tell them you are a lesbian then maybe they’ll let you off.” April said, entwining her hand with Ruby’s.

“Yeah,” Ruby pursed her lips together. “Except I’m not a....” Ruby mumbled before trailing off. “You know what else we have to look forward to in 10 weeks?” Ruby questioned, changing the subject.

“Uhm,” April pursed her lips together. “Well if it’s been a year since you split up with Romeo then I’m pretty sure that means it’s been a year since we got back together.”

“Mmm,” Ruby nodded. “I wish we never broke up in the first place.”

“I know,” April exhaled. “But we were young. A few stupid fights and we think we need to break up for good. Then me moving to Cairns really didn’t help things.”

“Well no,” Ruby sighed. “But you were very smart in moving back here.” Ruby gave her a little grin.

“There was a time where I didn’t think that,” April pursed her lips together. “It was just after....” April bit her lip. It was never going to be easy talking about him. The only thing that brought her a little peace was that he was in jail, where he would remain for a very long time.

“After Pete?” Ruby questioned and April gave a little nod.

“But then if I didn’t move back here we’d never have gotten back together so I’m not ever going to regret it. I’m so glad that I’m here and we are back together,” April said. “Sometimes to get something so amazing something bad has to happen first,” April smiled before Ruby softly kissed her lips. “And you definitely are my something amazing.” April said as she pulled back. Ruby grinned before once again smacking her lips against Aprils.

[Danni02]

Thank you for the comments.

One hundred and five

Bianca walked up the driveway to the house, before hearing the sounds of the kids playing around the back garden. She walked down the side path, Katie skipping in front of her as she held Freya in her arms, her daughters little head snuggled into her shoulder. “Katie.” Toby waved as he saw his cousin. Katie waved back as she ran across the garden, joining in in whatever it was they were playing with Rolo. Bianca watched amused as Toby and Ella were trying to lead Rolo around what appeared to be an assault course. She looked up and saw Brax, Charlie and Noah sitting on the porch seats, the baby monitor on the floor in front of them, Bianca assuming Luca was asleep inside and this was in case he woke.

“Auntie Bee,” Ella ran over to her as she saw her as Charlie stood to her feet. “Why did you break my daddy and brother?”

“It was just an accident,” Charlie said as she walked over to her daughter. “Go back to playing,” Charlie told her and Ella exhaled before she ran back over to her brother, cousin and the dog. “What are you doing here?” Charlie asked, looking back to see Brax getting to his feet.

“I want to tell him how sorry I am,” Bianca answered, watching her brother-in-law as he slowly made his way across. “And us....we can be friends. You just said yourself it was an accident and Heath wants us to stay together. There’s no reason we can’t still be friends.”

“Brax only gave his blessing to Heath because of the girls,” Charlie answered. “He doesn’t want me being friends with you anymore and I need to respect his wishes.”

“So you’ll throw away 20 years of friendship, just like that?” Bianca moved Freya a little in her arms.

Charlie looked round to Brax before looking back to Bianca. “I don’t have a choice.” Charlie pursed her lips together before exhaling.

“Bianca,” Brax put his hand onto Charlie’s shoulder as he stood slightly behind her. “Nice day today isn’t?” Brax asked.

“Yeah it’s lovely,” Bianca swallowed. “Not a cloud in the sky.” Bianca looked up before looking back to Brax.

“Nice to know,” Brax replied. “Kids sound like they are having a great time with whatever they are doing,” Brax said. “You know, I don’t get to see that anymore,” Bianca pursed her lips together, looking down as Freya babbled a little in her arms. “The smiles on their faces, the glint in their eyes....” Brax shook his head. “All I see is darkness.”

“And I am so so sorry for that,” Bianca felt herself welling up. “I really am. But I wasn’t myself. Charlie you’ve been pregnant enough to know what a woman goes through. The hormones, emotions.....they’re all over the place.”

“I know,” Charlie nodded. “And I’m not disputing that. But you still caused Brax to lose his sight and....” Charlie bit her lip as she shook her head. “You can’t expect things to be like normal.”

“I’m not,” Bianca answered. “I don’t want to lose you from my life though. You and Brax...you’re family....surely we can get passed this.”

Brax took a deep breath. “Come inside.” Brax said turning around and walking towards the house.

“Me?” Bianca questioned and Charlie gave a sort of shrug.

“I’d expect he was talking to you.” Charlie said and Bianca started to walk after Brax going inside the house with him, wondering what was about to come.

******

Ruby and April had left Charlie, Brax and Bianca to talk in the house without the interruption of the kids. They’d taken Rolo for a walk, the four older kids coming with them, the babies of course staying in the house. Rolo was running around the grassy area close to the lake as Ella, Toby and Katie took it in turns to throw the ball for him to retrieve. Noah was sitting on the picnic bench, his broken leg resting over the seat as he watched his siblings and cousin laughing and having fun with Rolo. Ruby and April were sitting at the other side, April sitting behind Ruby as Ruby was leaning back against her as they faced the kids and the lake. “April remember I will show you to surf when my leg is better. Remember you said.”

“I remember,” April gave him a smile. “It’s still a date.”

Noah grinned, a big wide mouthed grin. “Does you have a surf board?”

“No,” April shook her head. “But I am sure Ruby will let me use hers, hmm babe.” April softly kissed her cheek.

“I don’t know,” Ruby said. “What do I get out of it?”

“Uhm, your girlfriend will be a hot surfer chick.” April gave a little grin as Ruby sat up and faced her.

“Yeah like that’s ever going to happen,” Ruby laughed a little. “Luca could probably surf better than you right now,” April gasped offended as Ruby continued to laugh. “I’m only joking Sweets. But don’t get to good. I’m the surfer chick of this relationship, oaky?” Ruby cocked her head to the side and April nodded before she leaned forward and placed a soft kiss on her lips. Noah frowned a little at the scene.

“April,” Noah said, causing them to pull back. “Do you like my new blue cast?” Noah knocked on his leg cast and April gave a little nod.

“Yeah it’s cool. Blue is a nice colour,” April smiled. “My favourite, actually.”

“Mines too,” Noah grinned. “My surf board is blue.”

“Aww that’s cool.” April gave him another smile as the kids and Rolo came running up to the picnic table.

“We should have brought a pickernick.” Toby said as he climbed up onto the bench, pushing in between Ruby and April.

“We already had a nice lunch at the diner today,” Ruby ruffled his hair as Ella sat at the little space left on Noah’s side of the bench, Noah resting his foot against his sisters side. Katie climbed onto the bench before climbing onto April’s knee. “You can’t still be hungry.”

“Yeah. I growing big.” Toby said and Ruby and April laughed.

“We could get pizza for dinner,” Ella said as her hands banged against the table. “From the restaurant.”

“Ohh yeah,” Noah grinned. “And stinky bread with cheese.”

“Daddy doesn’t like it when mummy eats the stinky bread,” Ella gave a giggle. “He says she won’t get kisses.”

“April do you like stinky bread?” Toby asked. “I don’t. It’s yucky.” Toby pulled a disgusted face.

“I love stinky bread.” April answered with a little laugh at the use of the kids’ word ‘stinky’ as opposed to garlic.

“Me too,” Katie held her hands up in the air. “Does you Ruby?”

“Mmm yeah,” Ruby nodded. “It’s good.”

“April and Katie should stay for pizza and stinky bread,” Ella said. “Ohhh and,” Ella once again banged her hand against the table. “You should sleepover.”

“You could stay in my room.” Noah smiled at April.

“Aww thanks bud but I think I’ll stay in Ruby’s room if I am staying over.” April said and Noah furrowed his eyebrows.

“You always stay in Ruby’s room,” Noah sighed. “Should be different sometimes.”

“Oh,” Ella clattered the table with an almighty thud that everyone jumped in fright. “We can camp in the garden,” Ella grinned. “All us,” Ella pointed round to everyone. “It would be so fun.”

“Yeah,” Toby screeched, his eyes widening. “Pizza and a camping.” Toby clapped.

“And stinky bread,” Katie added. “Can we, please?” Katie clasped her hands together like she was praying as she turned to face Ruby with puppy dog eyes.

“Yeah, please.” Toby, Ella and Noah all spoke in unison as they to clasped their hands together and gave big, puppy dog eyes. April and Ruby looked at each other and at the very same time they both exhaled.

“We’ll have to ask mummy and daddy,” Ruby answered. “But if they say yes then we’ll camp out with you.” Ruby said and all the kids cheered, excited at the thought of having a camp out that night.

[Danni02]

Thank you Red Ranger 1, CharlieAndBraxLover, Zoe and Sarah for the comments.

One hundred and six

Bianca was standing in the kitchen, on instruction from Brax. Freya had been put in the second moses basket that was placed in the living room, next to Luca’s. Charlie was leaning against the doorframe watching and waiting to see what Brax wanted to say. “I fancy a coffee,” Brax said. “How about you make me a coffee.”

“Sure.” Bianca gave a little nod, going to take a step forward but Brax put his hand out to the side, stopping her from moving.

“Do it in my shoes,” Brax told her. “Close your eyes and keep them shut,” Bianca looked over to Charlie before looking over to where the kettle was. She took a deep breath before closing her eyes shut tight and slowly walking forward. “Are the closed?”

“They’re closed,” Charlie walked into the room and over to her husband. “But what is this going to achieve?” Charlie questioned, resting her hand on his arm.

“I want her to know what this is like for me,” Brax answered. “See what I see every minute of every day,” Brax said. “Or should I say not see.” Brax added. Charlie exhaled and watched her friend as she filled the kettle with water, holding the kettle right at the bottom of the tap, feeling with her hands to make sure she was filling the kettle.

“I think we can all imagine what it’s like.” Charlie said, rubbing his arm.

“It’s not enough to imagine.” Brax told her.

Charlie watched as Bianca felt around until she plugged the kettle in and reached up trying to find the cupboard to get the mug. “It’s hot water,” Charlie told him. “You don’t even do this yet, Brax.” Charlie said. “She’ll burn herself.”

Brax gave a little chuckle. “Small price to pay for turning me blind.”

“Brax -” Charlie started to speak but Bianca spoke over her.

“It’s fine, Charlie,” Bianca opened her eyes as she looked round to her. “I’ll do it.”

“No,” Charlie said. “Brax, you are being silly.”

Brax sighed as he ran his hand over his forehead. “Okay,” Brax exhaled. “Don’t make the coffee. But how about you change your kids nappy, make her up a bottle, go into the room and find where you child is and pick her up and give her hug?” Brax questioned. “All the easiest of things to do but guess what?” Brax held his hands out. “Not for me. You’ve got me trapped in this hell and I hate it. I hate not being able to see anything. Not being able to look at my wife’s gorgeous face, see my kids.....my Luca, my new little boy. This should be a wonderful time for us right now but I.....” Brax trailed off as he shook his head. “It’s clouded by this,” Brax hit his fingers against the corner of his eyes. “I can’t even pee properly anymore,” Brax’s face was getting red and Charlie could see he was still very angry about losing his eyesight. “I have to sit down because if I am standing up I don’t know where the hell I’m aiming for.”

“I’m sorry,” Bianca told him and Charlie could hear the sincerity in her voice, see it by the look on her face. “I am Brax but there’s nothing I can do,” Bianca took a deep breath to compose herself. “I wish so much there was but....” Bianca shook her head. “I can help you. Be your eyes.”

“You can go to hell Bianca.” Brax said before walking out of the kitchen. Charlie looked out before turning to face her again.

“You should go home.” Charlie said, folding her arms across her chest.

“What about Katie?” Bianca questioned. “She’s still out with the others.”

“April can bring her home, right?” Charlie questioned and Bianca gave a little nod. “No need to stop the kids being friends. None of this is their fault.”

“No,” Bianca pursed her lips together. “And you’re sure we can’t....” Bianca trailed off.

Charlie bit her lip as she gave a little shrug. “Right now I need to respect Brax’s wishes. He needs more time.” Charlie said and Bianca gave a little nod.

“I’ll grab Freya and be on my way then.” Bianca spoke sadly before walking through to the living room for her daughter.

******

Bianca wiped the tears from her eyes as Heath walked back into the house. “Hey, you okay?” Heath questioned, immediately thinking the worst and that Rose had somehow got to her.

“Fine,” Bianca wiped her hand over her eyes. “Uhm, Katie and April are staying at Charlie’s tonight.” Soon after getting home April had called Bianca and asked if it was okay for Katie to stay over.

“Yeah, Ruby and April came in for pizza and garlic bread,” Heath replied. “Told me all about the kids’ plans.”

Bianca gave a little nod as she sniffed back before looking up to Heath. “Freya is napping,” Bianca told him. “She uhm, gave an almost smile today,” Bianca said. “Don’t think it’ll be much longer until we get a proper little smile from her.”

“That’s good.” Heath grinned.

“We uhm....we have our 6 week at the hospital tomorrow,” Bianca told him. “You’ll come right?”

“Of course,” Heath answered. “Wouldn’t miss it for the world,” Bianca gave him a smile before he wiped his thumbs over her cheeks, removing the tears. “What are these for?” Heath spoke tentatively, a little scared for the answer.

Bianca took a deep breath. “I went round to see Brax and Charlie after the beach,” Bianca clicked her tongue. “Not the best idea. He really hates me.”

“Yeah,” Heath exhaled. “But I know my brother and give him some time yeah,” Heath rubbed her shoulder. “We can hold grudges for a pretty long time but when you mean so much to his brother and wife....he just needs a bit of time.” Heath said and Bianca managed a weak smile.

“If I could swap places with him, I would,” Bianca pursed her lips together. “He should be able to see his son.” Bianca felt more tears wanting to spring from her eyes. Heath continued to rub her shoulder, seeing the genuine regret in Bianca for what had happened.

“Then what would that mean for the girls?” Heath questioned. “If anything I should have noticed your PND and got you help sooner.”

“This wasn’t your fault,” Bianca told him. “It was no-one’s but mine,” Bianca exhaled. “Who could have thought having a baby could cause so much mess huh?” Bianca sniffed back, looking into Heath’s eyes. “I.....” Bianca clicked her tongue. “Can we please just not talk about this anymore?” Bianca questioned. “Just start moving on?”

“We can,” Heath nodded. “But,” He took a deep breath, knowing that he needed to tell her, especially with Rose threatening to. He knew it would never be easy hearing that but the fact it was a confession from him had to be a little better on his part. “Listen, before we can properly move on there’s something I have to tell you.” Heath said taking a moment. He swallowed as he looked at Bianca who was getting a worried look on her face.

“What is it?” Bianca questioned. “Heath.” Bianca spoke again after he was silent for a little too long.

“I uhm....” Heath took another deep breath. “I’m so so sorry but I.....it was just once. Just a stupid mistake but I.....” Heath looked up, seeing Bianca’s eyes widening as she waited for him to tell her. “I slept with someone else.” Heath felt awful as he spoke the words but new if they wanted to start afresh he need to be honest with her. Bianca stayed silent for a moment, a blank expression on her face. Heath opened his mouth to talk again, but the force of Bianca’s hand slapping against his cheek stopped him. He winced as he rubbed his cheek before looking at his wife, fresh tears wanting to fall from her eyes. “Bianca I am so -”

“Shut up.” Bianca pushed him back and stood up and ran from the house, Heath looking to the moses basket, knowing he could go nowhere because of Freya but thought it best to leave her to have some space anyways. He only hoped that Bianca would come back after she’d calmed down so they could talk some more about their future and hoped that his confession hadn’t ruined that.

[Danni02]

Thank you Red Ranger 1, CharlieAndBraxLover and Spotd1 for the comments.

One hundred and seven

After dinner, Brax had gone up the stairs to the bedroom. Charlie knew he was quiet at dinner and decided to leave him on his own for a little bit, before going to talk to him. She found him sitting on their bed, looking out at nothing. “It’s time to let the bitterness go, Brax.” Charlie spoke softly so as not to startle him as she walked into the room.

“I’m not bitter,” Brax replied looking towards the door. “I just....I.....” Brax stopped talking as Charlie sat down next to him, placing her hand on his thigh.

“This is your life now,” Charlie said. “And you seemed to be making progress. You were telling the kids stories, playing games with them, coming into town with us,” Charlie clicked her tongue. “You were being you again.”

“Bianca came back,” Brax replied. “It just.....it set me back a bit, okay?”

Charlie gave a little nod. “Yeah. How about we work on her not setting you back?” Charlie rubbed his thigh. “Show her that even though you are blind now it’s not going to stop you doing anything.”

Brax gave a little smile. “She can’t stop me living my life.”

“Exactly,” Charlie softly kissed his cheek. “All this hate and anger towards her,” Charlie exhaled. “Well it’s not going to change this, is it?” Charlie put her hand next to his eye. “No matter how much anger you let out you will still be blind.”

“I know,” Brax bowed his head down. “I know.” Brax mumbled.

“So,” Charlie exhaled, deciding to change the subject. “I’m pretty sure Luca has left us a little gift in his nappy,” Charlie told him. “And you know, he told me that he’d love it if daddy changed him this time.”

Brax gave a little laugh. “Gifted kid if he can talk already.”

“Of course,” Charlie’s voice got higher. “He is all Buckton there. He’ll be off to uni in a couple of years.” Charlie said and Brax gave a little laugh.

“You should go change him if he is dirty though.” Brax told her as he rubbed one of his hands over the other.

“So you don’t want to do it?” Charlie questioned and Brax shook his head.

“Not this time,” Brax answered and Charlie sighed lightly before standing up. “I’ll be down soon.” Brax told her and Charlie lightly rubbed his cheek before she left the room to see to Luca.

******

Bianca walked back into the house, putting the bag up onto the worktop. “Dinner,” Bianca raised her voice so Heath could hear her. He walked into the kitchen, Freya in his arms, her big green eyes scanning the room as she sucked on her fist. “I brought home Chinese. Is that okay?”

“Uhm yeah it’s good.” Heath rubbed the back of his head a little confused at the situation.

“You want to get the cutlery and some bowls?” Bianca questioned as she took the boxes from the bag and opened them up. “She should be sleeping,” Bianca pointed to Freya. “Why is she still awake?”

“We were having too much fun with the play mat weren’t we?” Heath cooed as he his kissed his daughters cheek.

“Well she will be harder to get to sleep tonight if you don’t put her down now,” Bianca said, just as Freya moved her fist just enough so she could yawn before the fist went back to her mouth. “And she’ll choke herself, don’t let her do that,” Bianca walked forward and moved Freya’s hand from her mouth. Freya’s eyes settled on Bianca’s face and she gave a sad sort of whimper. “Don’t be sad baby.” Bianca placed a soft kiss on Freya’s forehead before Heath walked over to the moses basket and lay her down. He put on the music from the play mat which played softly into the room and walked back through to the kitchen, opening the cupboard to get the bowls out. He looked up at Bianca as she waited to dish their dinner.

“Where uhm....” Heath rubbed the back of his head before taking the bowls from the cupboard. “Where did you go?”

“About,” Bianca answered. “Went to the park and sat on a swing. Went to the beach and watched the waves for a while,” Bianca took the bowls from Heath. “There’s wine in the fridge,” Bianca told him and Heath stood up and walked over, taking out the bottle of white wine and a bottle of beer for himself. He opened the wine as Bianca dished up their dinner.

“So.....I’m not quite sure what -”

Bianca took a deep breath before resting her hands on the worktop. “We’ve both done stuff that wants forgiving,” Bianca looked around to him as she spoke, watching as he grabbed a wine glass and poured her a glass. “So we start from now, from this moment a new chapter of our lives. The past is in the past and it’s staying there, right?” Bianca cocked her head to the side a little.

“Of course. She was a stupid mistake.” Heath said, feeling relieved he was going to be forgiven and rather quickly, it seemed.

“Good,” Bianca exhaled. “But if you so much as look at another woman in that way again, it won’t turn out good for you, Heath. You understand?” Heath gave a little nod as an answer.

“Do you want to know -” Heath started to talk but Bianca held her hand out, stopping him from talking.

“Nothing,” Bianca shook her head. “The less I know the better,” Bianca said, taking the glass of wine from Heath. “To the next chapter of our lives.” Bianca clinked her glass against the bottle of beer that was in his hand before taking a drink. Heath unscrewed the cap and threw it down on the worktop before he took a drink of his beer feeling a little confused by Bianca’s reaction but he wasn’t about to question it.

“To the next chapter of our lives.” Heath repeated before taking another drink of his beer.

******

Ruby put the last tent peg into the ground before sitting down and exhaling. “Really, you can't even pitch a tent?” Ruby said, as April had spent all of the time Ruby put the tent up sitting watching.

“No,” April shook her head. “What can I say; you must be the butch one in this relationship darling.” April raised her eyebrows before laughing.

“Being able to put a tent up does not make me butch,” Ruby slapped April’s thigh. “And besides, I don’t have short spiky hair or wear man clothes so.....I’m not the butch one.”

“So stereotypical.” April shook her head, mocking disgust.

“Says the one who thinks there needs to be a butch one.” Ruby retorted.

“I’m only teasing.” April gave her a smile before leaning forward and placing a soft kiss on her lips. Ruby smiled into the kiss, letting it deepen a little.

“Mmm I kinda just wish it was us in the tent tonight,” Ruby sighed looking over to the other side of the garden where the kids were playing. “You know....” Ruby raised her eyebrows.

“Mmm,” April gave her a cheeky grin. “Maybe one day we can go camping in our own little tent.” April ran her fingers softly over Ruby’s thigh.

“I’ll hold you to that Sweets.” Ruby smiled before they shared another kiss.

“Yucky kissing.” Ruby and April pulled apart to see Katie and Toby looking down on them.

“You’ll like kissing when you are our age,” April said looking from Katie to Toby, the pair of them screwing their faces up in disgust. “So, what you two saying?”

“Well,” Toby scratched the side of his head. “I want Luca to come camp.”

“But he can’t,” Katie stomped her foot off the ground. “He only a baby. He too little Toby.” Katie sounded frustrated and Ruby and April gave a little laugh.

“Afraid Katie is right bud,” Ruby pulled her little brother close to her and he sat down on her knee. “But we’ll have lots of fun though.”

“We tell stories?” Toby asked.

“Of course we will.” Ruby told him and Toby grinned at the news.

“Ghosty ones.” Toby asked, his face lighting up at the thought.

“No no,” Katie put her hands over her ears. “No, nothing with ghosts.”

“Yes yes,” Toby nodded. “This my house. I say so.”

“No,” Katie shook her head. “April, no ghost stories.” Katie looked frightened at the thought.

“We won’t tell you a ghost story.” April rubbed Katie’s arm and Katie stuck her tongue out at Toby. He scowled at her before jumping up from Ruby’s knee.

“I will say a ghosty story.” Toby stuck his tongue out at Katie before running off up the garden towards his older siblings.

“Toby Michael you not to,” Katie pointed her finger out to him. “You not to.” Katie repeated before running of after Toby, April and Ruby laughing as they sat together on the grass, watching as Katie chased after Toby.

[Danni02]

Thank you CharlieAndBraxLover, Red Ranger 1, Sarah, Spotd1 and Sabrina for the comments.

One hundred and eight

Charlie put the sponge into the water before gently squeezing it over her son’s stomach, the water running out of the sponge and removing the body wash from him. Luca’s eyes were looking around the room, trying to take everything in, but of course at two days old, he was nowhere near able to focus his eyes. “You’re a handsome little boy, aren’t you?” Charlie cooed at her son.

“Thanks,” Charlie looked around as Brax walked into the living room where the baby bath was. “Hope you say something nice about Luca now too. Wouldn’t want to take all the attention away from him.” Charlie smiled before laughing a little instead, feeling sad as she remembered he wouldn’t be able to see her smile anymore.

“Luca is getting a bath.” Charlie said and Brax gave a little smile following her voice and sitting down on the floor beside her.

“How does he like that?” Brax questioned, his hand finding the little yellow tub and stroking is son’s hand with his finger.

“He loves it,” Charlie smiled. “Gone and got ourselves another water baby.”

“Ah-ha good boy,” Brax smiled as he continued to rub his son’s hand. “That’s the first sign of you being a true Braxton.” Brax said.

“Because if he didn’t like the water you’d disown him?” Charlie questioned, looking to Brax for a moment, while keeping one eye watching Luca to make sure he was safe.

“Well we’d have to have serious words,” Brax joked and Charlie laughed. “But in all seriousness, I can’t quite believe you’ve let Katie stay over when we have a 2 day old baby.”

“He is our 5th,” Charlie exhaled, once again squeezing the water over her son. “And besides Ruby and April are dealing with the kids and it’s only Katie. She’s family.”

“True,” Brax exhaled. “You know Tobes will be mad you’ve bathed him without telling him,” Brax said. “I remember him saying that you must tell him when you will be bathing him as he would help.”

Charlie bit her lip. “Well he is out having fun. I didn’t want to spoil that.”

“Well let’s just hope he doesn’t find out.” Brax said.

“Well unless Luca or Rolo tells him I think we are safe,” Charlie said, looking to the side to see Rolo running across to her from his bed at mention of his name. “He’ll have plenty chances to help.”

“Yeah,” Brax said. “So, how was Ella with him today?” Brax questioned as Charlie lay the towel down on the floor before lifting him out of the bath tub and laying him down, wrapping the soft yellow towel with a duck face on the hood round her son.

“So-so,” Charlie scrunched her face up a little as she dried her son. “But we won’t push her. She’ll come around in her own time.”

“Of course,” Brax exhaled. “If Toby was my little brother I would want a sister next too.” Brax said and Charlie gave a little laugh.

“I wouldn’t have minded a little girl either,” Charlie said. “Don’t get me wrong I love this little one so much already but, well.....it would have been nice to have a bit more pink in the house again.”

“Well I’ll head to the hospital tomorrow. Get a reversal.” Brax laughed.

“You’ll do no such thing,” Charlie said. “Luca here is my last.”

“Pretty sure you said that after Toby,” Brax said. “In fact I’m pretty sure I heard that after the twins at one point.”

“Well I mean it this time,” Charlie said, lifting Luca up, before watching Brax for a moment, Rolo laying next to him as he clapped him. “Here, you can get him dressed for bed.” Charlie pushed Luca against Brax’s chest. Brax got a worried look on his face as he took Luca, holding him close to him as he cuddled into his father.

“Charlie I can’t,” Brax sighed. “I don’t know where -”

“Everything is here ready for you,” Charlie said. “Lay him down in front of you.”

“Where’s the dog?” Brax asked.

“He’s at your side,” Charlie said. “You’re fine. Put him down,” Charlie instructed and Brax gently laid Luca back on the floor and opened out the towel. “Lotion is to your right,” Charlie said and Brax reach forward and picked up a bottle. “That’s body wash,” Charlie said. “It’s the next bottle.”

“See, I can’t do this,” Brax sighed. “How am I supposed to know the difference?”

“The bottles are shaped differently,” Charlie told him, putting the other bottle in his other hand. “See?”

“Yeah, I can feel that.” Brax answered.

“Well, your left hand is the one you want,” Charlie said. “And if you can’t remember what bottle feels like what you can always put a little bit on your hand. You’ll know then if it’s body wash or lotion.”

“So, you mean to say I’ll be left to do this on my own?” Brax sounded alarmed at the thought.

“Maybe one day,” Charlie said. “I might be busy with one of the other kids.” Brax put the body wash down and opened the lotion.

“You have too much faith in me.” Brax said, putting some lotion onto his hand before rubbing it into his son.

“Do I?” Charlie questioned. “Maybe you just don’t have enough faith in yourself,” Charlie rubbed his arm as she spoke and Brax smiled unsure. “Nappies are in front of you to your left,” Charlie said and Brax took a deep breath before he leaned forward and picked up the fresh nappy. He felt for his sons legs before lifting them up and placing the nappy under his bum.

“Is it the right way?” Brax questioned. Charlie looked to see where the tabs were before nodding. “Charlie?”

“Yes,” Charlie answered. Brax found the tabs and ripped them from the back of the nappy. He brought the front down and shut the tabs, rubbing on them to make sure they stayed down. “Here’s his bedtime onesie.” Charlie handed him the white baby grow a little giraffe on the front.

“How do I tell what way is the front and what’s the back?” Brax sighed, running his hand over the onesie.

“The same way you are able to dress yourself,” Charlie told him. “Find the label, by the poppers, the buttons...” Charlie exhaled.

Brax pursed his lips as he felt for the label. He paused for a moment before lift Luca up slightly, putting the onesie over his head. He fed each arm through the arm holes before doing up the poppers under Luca’s bum. “Is that right?” Brax asked lifting Luca into his arms as Luca gave a yawn.

“Perfect,” Charlie smiled as she once again rubbed Brax’s arm. “You just got your boy ready for bed.” Charlie’s smile grew larger as she saw the grin on Brax’s face, both of them proud at his progress.

******

Bianca pulled her panties back up before sitting sideways on the bed, her legs dangling over the side. She was at her 6 week check up and was told everything was looking as it should be. “So,” The doctor looked from Bianca to Heath back to Bianca. “Now we’ve got the physical examination out of the way, how are you feeling emotionally?” The doctor asked.

Bianca pursed her lips together. “I’m better,” Bianca told her. “I don’t want to kill her anymore so I must be, right?” Bianca said. “I uhm....I just want to be the best mother I can to her.”

The doctor gave a smile. “That’s good to know. Selcott Centre is one of the best.”

“Doesn’t our bank account know that.” Heath muttered, lightly rocking the car seat as Freya looked around the room, interested in the new place to look at.

The doctor raised her eyebrows at Heath before looking back to Bianca. “Are you breastfeeding Freya?”

“No,” Bianca shook her head. “The plan was that I was going to, but well....I didn’t exactly welcome her arrival,” Bianca spoke quietly. “The nurse at Selcott suggested I try as a way of establishing a bond but I was already dried up.”

“I see,” The doctor said. “So, you’re breast won’t be sore then.”

“No.” Bianca shook her head.

“Okay,” The nurse looked down to the sheet before looking back up at Heath and Bianca. “Have you two resumed sexual activity yet?”

“No.” Heath answered a little quickly, perhaps. Bianca glanced at him before looking back to the doctor.

“Not yet,” Bianca said. “But I did want to ask if I could be fitted with an IUD,” Bianca paused and glanced at Heath before looking back to the doctor. “Cleary our condom method failed for us.”

“We can do that,” The doctor nodded. “Has your period returned?”

“Yeah.” Bianca nodded.

“Okay, well we can do it today, if you wish?” The doctor looked from Bianca to Heath and back to Bianca.

“Yeah.” Bianca looked to Heath who gave a little shrug.

“Up to you.” Heath said, continuing to rock Freya in the car seat.

“Yeah uhm, today is fine.” Bianca exhaled, running her wedding ring around her finger.

“Well we’ll get this little cutie checked first then I can get that done for you,” The doctor said looking down at Freya. “Hello baby.” The doctor cooed as she got up from her chair and lifted Freya into her arms, ready to do the necessary checks on her.

[Danni02]

Thank you Red Ranger 1, Sarah, CharlieAndBraxLover and Spotd1 for the comments.

One hundred and nine

Ruby and April were in the swimming pool at Ruby’s house. Charlie, Brax and the kids were in town so they had the place to themselves and Ruby decided to take full advantage of that. She swam up behind her girlfriend who was leaning against the pool’s edge, watching as Rolo chased his tail on the patio. “Should I be worried that you’d rather watch Rolo than your bikini wearing girlfriend?” Ruby questioned, wrapping her arms around April’s stomach and softly kissing her neck. April turned around to face her as a smile crept onto her face.

“I had to face away for a while,” April told her. “Otherwise I would have....” April bit her lip seductively as she ran her hand down Ruby’s side and played with the string of her bikini bottoms.

“Well I wouldn’t have objected to that at all,” Ruby said, raising her eyebrows. “In fact, I would have...” Ruby licked her bottom lip as her hands slid up April’s back and undid the tie on the top of her bikini top, resulting in the bikini falling down, revealing her breasts.

“Rubes,” April gasped. “We can’t.”

“Why not?” Ruby gently started caressing one of April’s breasts as she placed a soft kiss on her neck.

“Because your siblings use this pool.” April said and Ruby pulled back to look at her. She laughed as she tucked a loose strand of April’s hair behind her ear.

“Aww sweets,” Ruby rubbed her cheek. “You sure I can’t temp you?” Ruby said, running her hand down April’s stomach, finding the top of her bikini bottoms. “Hmm?” Ruby bit her lip seductively before sliding her hands down April’s bikini bottoms.

“Rubes,” April shrieked as she moved to the side, pulling Ruby’s hand from her. “Don’t.”

Ruby pouted sadly. “I just thought it would be a change from the bedroom.” Ruby muttered.

“Oh,” April raised her eyebrows. “Didn’t realise you were bored of our sex life.” April bowed her head down sadly.

“I’m not bored,” Ruby told her, pushing her head up to face her. “I just thought you’d be up for a bit of fun.”

“And I am,” April answered. “I just don’t want to do it in your mum and dad’s pool.”

“Fair enough.” Ruby exhaled.

“But if we were to take Rolo for a walk in those big woods.....” April trailed off as she raised her eyebrows.

“The woods eh?” Ruby said. “What if someone sees us?”

“Now who’s afraid to have fun?” April questioned.

“Alright,” Ruby pushed herself out of the pool. “Let’s get dressed and take Rolo for a walk.” Ruby said, not looking back at April as she walked over to the sun lounger and picked up her towel, beginning to dry herself off. April grinned as she pushed herself out of the pool and walked over to get her towel, Rolo running round excitedly at their feet upon hearing the words Rolo and walk.

******

Bianca, Heath, Katie and Freya went to the beach after getting Katie back from Charlie’s and as promised Heath was going to take Katie out for a little surf. “Let’s go daddy, let’s go now,” Katie pulled on Heath’s hand. They were barely on the sand and she was already wanting to go into the water. “C’mon.” Katie screeched.

“In a minute pumpkin,” Heath answered. “Let lunch settle first or you will sink.”

“No really?” Katie looked up to Bianca, her eyes all wide in wonder.

“You might,” Bianca answered. “Build some sandcastles first hmm,” Bianca ran her hand through her ponytail as they stopped at the area they were going to sit. Katie frowned before taking her bucket and spade from the pram and getting to work. Heath put the picnic blanket down in the sand before taking Freya from the pram and sitting down with her in his arms. Bianca took a seat next to him, exhaling lightly as she saw him looking at her. “What?” Bianca questioned.

“You should have discussed that with me first.” Heath spoke quietly but his tone showed he wasn’t pleased.

“Discussed what?” Bianca screwed her face up in confusion.

“This IED thing you got.” Heath sighed.

“IUD,” Bianca corrected. “And you said it was up to me.”

“Well I couldn’t say no in front of the doctor, could I?” Heath questioned. “How would that have made me look? You clearly want this.”

“I’m just being careful, Heath.” Bianca looked to Katie who was miming a little tune as she filled her bucket with sand, oblivious to her parents quarrel.

“You’ve got yourself sterilised,” Heath voice went higher as he spoke. “Don’t you think we should have discussed that first?”

“No, no I didn’t,” Bianca shook her head. “This is just a form of contraception,” Bianca screwed her face up a little, surprised at Heath’s mistake. “I can still get pregnant.”

“Oh,” Heath rubbed the back of his head, looking a little embarrassed. “Well okay then...I....sorry.”

“It’s fine,” Bianca gave him a weak smile. “But you know I think.....well after what happened after she was born I.....” Bianca shook her head. “We’re good as we are.”

“Yeah.” Heath exhaled, gently bobbing Freya up and down on his knee. In the distance a woman was watching as they quarrelled and a smug grin swept across her face.

******

Charlie, Brax and the kids walked into the diner, Luca being held in the baby carrier that was strapped to Charlie as Toby pushed the pram. He picked up his speed and banged the pram into someone's chair as he tried to get passed. “Toby,” Charlie looked down to him. “Watch what you are doing bud,” Toby furrowed his eyebrows as he looked up to his mother before Ella helped him push the pram the rest of the way to the table at the back of the diner. Charlie apologized as the old woman continued to scowl up at her. “Go on buddy.” Charlie lightly pushed on Noah as he walked down in front of her, still on his crutches.

“Mummy,” Toby said as Charlie and Brax took a seat at the table with the kids.

“What?” Charlie questioned, always intrigued to what Toby would come out with.

“Can I take Luca to Kindy tomorrow?” Toby asked.

“Uhm, I think he is a bit young for Kindy sweetie.” Charlie rubbed her son’s back over the baby carrier.

“No no,” Toby shook his head as he slapped his palm against his forehead. “Silly mummy. Just to show my class him. He my baby brother Luca.”

“Ah,” Charlie said. “Maybe when he is a little bit older.” Charlie told him and Toby frowned.

“Can we show Luca Thomas to my class too?” Noah questioned. “They’d like him. Specially my teacher Miss Fairbanks. She likes babies.”

“Oh does she?” Charlie questioned and Noah nodded.

“Samara’s mum brought her baby to class as she was holding him and speaking all funny like adults do to little babies all the times and she kept saying ‘oh the little baby. I love babies.’” Noah mocked his teacher and Brax laughed.

“Kinda makes sense she likes kids. Her being a teacher and all.” Brax said.

“Alright,” Charlie sighed. “What about you Ella. You want to show your baby brother off to your friends?”

Ella shrugged. “Not really,” Ella answered. “But mum, you know what?” Ella looked excited as she spoke.

“Not till you tell me.” Charlie replied and Ella pulled a face, looking a little confused at her mother’s reply.

“Well I know what I want for one of our special days.” Ella grinned as Noah and Toby looked to each other, wondering how they weren’t getting special days.

“Oh and what’s that?” Charlie asked.

“One Direction is coming to Syndey,” Ella shrieked. “We will go there.”

“Oh wow a One Direction concert,” Charlie said, trying her best to sound enthusiastic about it. “Do you know when it is?”

“Not till months away,” Ella said. “Them tickets aren’t out yet. April said me last night they would be here in March.”

“Ah April told you about this, did she?” Charlie questioned and Ella nodded.

“Well maybe dad would like to go with you,” Charlie said, looking to Brax with a cheeky grin on her face. “He really enjoyed their movie you saw, remember that?” Charlie continued to grin.

“Wipe that grin off your face.” Brax said, looking to Charlie.

“I don’t have a grin on my face.” Charlie answered.

“She does,” Toby shouted as he pointed to his mother. “She does daddy.”

“Oh I know,” Brax nodded. “I know you all too well Charlotte,” Brax said and the kids giggled at Brax’s use of Charlotte. “And I think a man would look rather creepy at a One Direction concert.”

“Not if you are with your daughter and you are blind anyways so it’s not as if you will be there for there wrong reasons.” Charlie said and Brax gave a little laugh.

“What reasons?” Noah asked, looking confused.

“Nothing buddy,” Charlie answered. “Uhm, we’ll see about getting tickets okay?” Charlie said looking to Ella who was grinning excitedly.

“What bout my special day?” Toby asked.

“And mines?” Noah pouted.

“No, it’s just a mummy daughter day.” Ella told her brothers before sticking her tongue out at them.

“Aww.” The boys pouted sadly.

“You two can have special days with daddy.” Charlie said and the boys grinned as Charlie looked to Brax, biting her lip as she saw he didn’t look pleased with her comment.

“Oh he’s here again,” Everyone looked around as they heard Colleen’s squawk. “Little Lucas.” Colleen clapped her hands together as she looked down to the baby.

“Luca,” Ella sighed. “It’s Luca.”

“Yeah, Luca Thomas.” Noah added.

“Oh I see.” Colleen looked down to the baby again before looking to Charlie.

“Would you like to hold him, Colleen?” Charlie questioned, judging by the look on Colleen face, she thought that is what she wanted.

“Oh yes,” Colleen answered. Charlie undid the side of the baby carrier and lifted her son out, passing him to Colleen. “Well hello Lucas.” Colleen said as she held him in her arms, Charlie and Brax laughing, not surprised by Colleen’s repeated mistake as the kids frustratingly tried to tell her his name was in fact Luca.

[Danni02]

Thanks for the comments.

One hundred and ten

Bianca was feeding Freya her bottle as she watched Katie out in the water with Heath. She smiled as she saw the look of pure joy on her daughters face as Heath showed her how to surf. “You going to be a surfer to sweetie?” Bianca questioned looking down at Freya. Freya stared up at her mother as she continued to drink her bottle, her little hand holding the side next to Bianca’s. “Or will you take after mummy and we can hang out when Katie and daddy are surfing?”

“Cute baby.” Bianca looked up as she heard the woman’s voice. She gave her a smile before looking back to Freya.

“Thanks.” Bianca said looking back up at the woman again.

“You’re Heath’s wife, right?” Rose questioned and Bianca gave a little nod, wondering who this stranger was.

“Yeah I am,” Bianca answered. “And you are?

“Rose,” Rose held her hand out for Bianca to shake. “Rose Adams.”

“And how do you know Heath?” Bianca questioned, briefly shaking her hand. Rose grinned as she looked to him, liking the look of his naked upper half as it glistened in the sun.

“I work at Charlie’s with him,” Rose said. “I’m the new supervisor. He hasn’t mentioned me?” Rose questioned, both liking the fact she seemed to be Heath’s secret but also disappointed that Heath hadn’t mentioned his new colleague.

“Uhm, no,” Bianca pursed her lips together as she looked out to her husband. “Never mentioned a Rose.” Bianca exhaled.

“Well I’ve heard a lot about you,” Rose said. “And little Katie and even this one,” Rose gestured down to Freya. “A lot.” Rose widened her eyes and Bianca pursed her lips together, knowing what Rose was getting at.

“I see.” Bianca looked to Heath, not impressed he was telling Rose all their issues.

“Yeah,” Rose widened her eyes. “So, you and Heath playing at happy families?” Rose questioned.

Bianca pursed her lips together. She didn’t particularly like this woman, she knew that already. “Heath and I are good,” Bianca answered, trying to believe it herself. She knew they still needed to do some work to repair the past. “Not that it’s any of your business.”

“Just concerned about Heath,” Rose exhaled, licking the bottom of her lip and she once again looked out to him. “He uhm....he’s a great guy and I want him to be happy.”

Bianca saw the look on Rose’s face as she watched her husband. She gave a little nod to herself, knowing who this woman was. “Well he is. With me, so....” Bianca clicked her tongue. “You don’t need to concern yourself.”

“Well maybe I want too,” Rose smirked. “See you around. Tell Heath I said hello.” Rose raised her eyebrows before walking off, Bianca watching her as she walked off the beach before looking back to her husband. She exhaled lightly before looking back down to Freya as she finished her bottle.

******

Charlie put Luca down in the moses basket, before walking over to the couch, taking a seat next to Brax. “Leah is going to come around to see Luca later,” Charlie told him. “That alright?”

“Leah can come anytime she wants,” Brax answered, taking Charlie’s hand in his and entwining them together. “She is always welcome.”

Charlie bit her lip, knowing what Brax was getting at but chose not to reply with anything regarding that topic. “Good,” Charlie smiled. “Tobes will be excited he has more gifts to open,” Charlie yawned as she leaned her head against Brax’s shoulder. Toby had been getting to open all the gifts people had sent for Luca, much to his excitement.

“Yeah,” Brax answered. “He sounds more excited opening things for Luca than when it’s his own birthday.”

“That probably won’t last,” Charlie said. “Pretty sure soon it’ll be ‘Why is Luca getting all the gifts and not me?’” Charlie mocked Toby’s little voice and Brax laughed.

“Well it is his birthday in a couple of weeks,” Brax said. “So, he’ll be the one getting spoilt then.”

“Can you believe he’s nearly 4?” Charlie questioned. “Our babies are growing up. The twins are already 7 for goodness sake.”

“I know,” Brax replied. “You also have a 22 year old daughter,” Brax chuckled. “Never mind being surprised you have 7 year olds, what about a 22 year old?”

“Yeah yeah,” Charlie playfully slapped Brax’s chest. “I don’t need reminding of how old Rubes is.”

“Why?” Brax questioned, looking down to face her and she sat up from his chest. “Make you realise how old you are getting?” Brax chuckled.

Charlie gasped. “Excuse me. You aren’t far off me.”

“I am 2 years and seven months younger actually.” Brax said and Charlie laughed.

“And seven months?” Charlie questioned. “Couldn’t just say 2 and a half?”

“Well seven months isn’t half sweetheart,” Brax answered. “It’s more than half, so, why would I say that?”

“Alright fair enough.” Charlie rolled her eyes.

“Now be a doll and go get your younger man an orange juice.” Brax grinned and Charlie laughed.

“Get it yourself.” Charlie said. She didn’t mean to sound blunt but she knew he was more than capable of getting his own drink.

Brax gave a little laugh before pursed his lips together, thinking she was actually being serious. “Really?”

“Mmm hmm,” Charlie nodded. “You can do it.” Charlie rubbed his arm as she spoke.

Brax took a deep breath before standing up and walking through to the kitchen. Charlie quietly crept after him, leaning herself against the door frame, watching as Brax reached into the cupboard and took out a glass. He felt for the fridge before opening it, pulling out the bottle of milk. Charlie opened her mouth to talk but stopped as he pulled out the bottle of orange juice next. He put it up onto the worktop next to the bottle of milk before feeling both bottles. He picked up the bottle of orange juice and unscrewed the lid, bringing it up to his nose and smelling it. He reached out for the glass and very slowly poured the orange juice into the glass before putting the glass back onto the worktop to put the bottles back into the fridge. Charlie smiled before she ran back through to the living room and sat back down on the couch, waiting on him returning. She still saw the huge grin on his face that he’d managed the task himself as he walked into the room. “Got it.” Brax smiled as he sat back down next to her.

“I knew you could,” Charlie rubbed his chest as she spoke before kissing his cheek. “Now, I can go back to ordering you around eh?” Charlie laughed. “Get me this, get me that and you’ll can do it.” Charlie said and Brax laughed a little before taking a drink of his juice. They both looked up to the ceiling as they heard the muffled sounds of Ella and Toby's arguing and Noah trying to make peace.

“Thought they’d been playing quietly with no arguments for too long,” Charlie sighed. “Go on,” Charlie hit his chest. “Off up the stairs and sort your kiddies out.” Charlie said, taking the orange juice from Brax as he stood up from the couch. She took a drink as she watched him leave the room, smiling once again.