Follow Your Heart

[Danni02]

Thanks for the comments.

One hundred and eleven

“Aww he’s lovely,” Leah held Luca in her arms, the little boy cuddling close up to her. “He’s little though. What did he weigh?”

“6lbs and half an ounce.” Charlie answered.

“He was early though I guess.” Leah said, keeping her gaze on Luca.

“Only a week,” Charlie exhaled. “All my babies have been little,” Charlie added. “Especially Noah, he was so tiny, remember?” Charlie put her hand on Brax’s knee and he nodded in response.

“I was afraid to pick him up for weeks,” Brax exhaled. “Not much has really changed eh.” Brax muttered.

“You’re doing great with him.” Charlie spoke quietly as she lightly rubbed his knee. She looked to the door as she heard the kids coming in from thumping down the stairs.

“Hey auntie Leah.” Noah greeted her with a smile as he threw his crutches to the ground before sitting down on the chair sideways, his leg resting over the arm.

“Hey buddy,” Leah returned the smile. “How are you kiddies today?”

“Well,” Toby sighed as he sat down on the floor in front of Leah, cross legged. “Mummy and Ella will do specials days,” Toby exhaled. “No us.” He gave a sad pout as he looked to his mother.

“I told you daddy can take you.” Charlie said. She heard a sigh coming for Brax and once again felt he wasn’t pleased with that comment.

“Aww I’m sure mummy will still do plenty special things with her boys,” Leah said. “But it will be good for Ella to have some mother daughter time, hmm?” Leah looked to Ella who was looking down at the gifts for Luca, looking saddened.

“Yeah.” Ella mumbled before sitting down on the couch, cuddling close to her father.

“So,” Leah exhaled looking back to Toby. “Is someone going to open these gifts for Luca?”

“Me,” Toby shot both hands up in the air before pulling at the parcel, ripping away the paper. “Wow, mummy, daddy look.” Toby held up the clothes. Three little dungaree sets and three baby grows of different colours.

“Aww wow, thank you Leah.” Charlie smiled, taking the clothes in her hand to get a better look at them from the crumpled state Toby was holding them up in.

“There’s more,” Noah pointed to the other parcels. “Open them Toby.” Noah sounded interested to see what else there was.

Toby ripped at the other parcel, sending bits of paper flying in all directions. “Oh wows,” Toby look down to the safari themed play mat. “It’s like Freya’s flower thing,” Toby shrieked. “Wow this be cool. Luca will love it when he a bit bigger.”

“Yeah, I hope so.” Leah smiled at the boy’s excitement. She half expected Toby to go all green eyed monster at the baby’s arrival but it seemed quite the opposite had happened.

“Wow auntie Leah,” Toby pulled at the third parcel. “You gots him lots.” Toby opened the final parcel to reveal bibs, a baby blanket, a baby towel and some bottles.

“Gosh Leah this is too much,” Charlie looked to all the gifts. “Really, one baby grow would have been enough.”

“I know. I went a bit over board,” Leah said, lightly rocking Luca in her arms. “But I just kept seeing all this cute baby stuff and....” Leah trailed off. “Well I just couldn’t help myself.”

“Uhm, auntie Leah.” Toby scratched the side of his head.

“What buddy?” Leah questioned.

“Well Luca doesn’t use these ones,” Toby held up the 2 pack of baby bottles. “He drinks mummy’s boobies.”

The adults all laughed. “He’ll need bottles one day sweetie,” Charlie told her son. “The when he drinks from bottles you can feed him for me, huh?” Charlie said. “And daddy can get to feed him and Ella and Noah can too.”

“Cool,” Noah grinned. “I will feed Luca Thomas mum, I will,” Noah gave a little nod. “You know him name is Luca Thomas, Leah?” Noah questioned.

“I do,” Leah nodded. “It’s a very good name.”

“Yeah, Luca Thomas it’s so good,” Noah smiled as he glanced at his baby brother. “He never cries.”

“Ah well that’s lucky.” Leah said.

“He is very relaxed so far,” Brax said. “Makes it easier for Charlie. I can’t be there as much as I’d like so it’s good that so far he’s been so easy.” Charlie glanced at Brax before looking back to Leah.

“He’s great with him,” Charlie told her. “Just as great as with any of the other kids when they were babies,” Charlie said. “Really babe, stop doubting yourself.” Charlie once again rubbed his knee.

“Yeah you are the best daddy ever in the world,” Ella said, hugging even closer to him. “Ay boys?”

“Yeah you is,” Noah nodded his head. “You are the best.” Brax smiled at what the kids said. Of course any child would say that about their father but it still made him feel good and appreciated. He rubbed Ella’s back as he placed a kiss on her head, continuing to sit in the embrace with his daughter.

******

Bianca, Heath and the girls walked back to the house after the beach. Bianca placed Freya down in the moses basket as she was still napping. “Mummy can we bake?” Katie questioned.

“Uhm sure,” Bianca answered. “But go put all your toys away in your room first. It’s a mess.” Bianca told her and Katie furrowed her eyebrows, not liking the sound of her task one bit.

“After we bake.” Katie smiled hopefully.

“No. Now.” Bianca said and Katie pouted sadly before looking to Heath, batting her eyelids as she rubbed his hand.

“You like cakes huh daddy?” Katie continued to bat her eyelashes, wanting out of the task of cleaning her room.

“Yeah but listen to your mummy,” Heath ran his hand over her hair. “Go on,” Heath gestured for Katie to go to her bedroom. She sighed, feeling defeated before running through to her room to clean up so she could do some baking. “So why do I get the feeling she was sent out of the room for a reason?” Heath questioned, looking to his wife. Bianca was standing biting on her bottom lip as she rolled her wedding ring around her finger.

“I uhm,” Bianca cleared her throat. “I met the new girl from Charlie’s today,” Bianca told him and she saw Heath looking very confused. “When you had Katie in the water she approached me,” Bianca said as Heath swallowed nervously. “I didn’t even know anyone new had been hired.”

“It happened when you were away,” Heath exhaled. “Brax obviously can’t work anymore and Charlie needed to take maternity leave. I uhm....she promoted me to assistant manager and we hired a new supervisor to take my place.”

“You got a promotion?” Bianca smiled a little. “Congratulations.”

“Thanks.” Heath smiled back.

“So this new girl,” Bianca said. “What’s she like?”

“She’s good....great....” Heath nodded his head, trying not to give anything away on the hope that Rose hadn’t already.

“I see,” Bianca nodded her head. “And uhm...you get along well with her?”

“Well she’s not really in my age group.” Heath felt his palms getting sweaty.

Bianca sniggered. She wanted Heath to come clean now and tell her it was her who he slept with. Even though she said she didn’t want to know, now she was pretty sure she had figured out it was Rose, she wanted him to tell her. “Heath.” Bianca glared at him.

“You said you didn’t want to know,” Heath sighed. “I...” Heath took a few steps closer to his wife. “Yes, it was Rose who I slept with.” Heath sighed, knowing Bianca had figured it out or had been told by Rose.

“I can’t believe you.” Bianca raised her voice.

“What?” Heath questioned. “You said we’d leave that mistake in the past. That we’d move on.”

“That was before I knew you worked with her,” Bianca rubbed her forehead. “This changes everything.”

“It doesn’t need to change anything,” Heath sighed. “Babe, we -”

“Don’t babe me right now,” Bianca held her hands out to the side. “How do you expect me to be okay with you working with the woman you slept with?”

“It’s not going to happen again,” Heath answered. “I promise you, Bianca.”

Bianca shook her head. “She clearly wants something to happen again. She will try every chance she gets.”

“But I won’t let anything happen,” Heath sounded frustrated that Bianca was questioning him. “You can trust me.”

“Trust you?” Bianca scoffed. “You slept with her a few days ago, Heath. That doesn’t give me a whole lot of reason to trust you right now.”

“Well there’s nothing I can do about that.” Heath sighed.

“Fire her.” Bianca said and Heath widened his eyes a little, shocked at what Bianca had suggested.

“Bianca I can’t fire her. I don’t have any reason to fire her.” Heath said.

“You want us to work, then fire her.” Bianca said, before walking through to Katie’s room to see if she was actually cleaning away her toys, leaving Heath standing in the living room, knowing that without actual reason to fire Rose, it would probably be hard to do.

[Danni02]

Thank you Red Ranger 1, Spotd1 and Sarah.

One hundred and twelve

Ruby and April walked into Bianca’s house, Ruby dropping her bag down behind the couch for now. “Cupcakes,” Katie said running to the kitchen. Bianca followed after her and lifted her up so she could take two cupcakes from sitting on the worktop. Katie ran back through and handed one out to Ruby and April. “For you.”

“Aww thank you Katie.” Ruby smiled before sticking her finger in the red icing and bringing it to her mouth.

“You staying the night?” Bianca questioned, looking down to the bag.

“Yeah,” Ruby nodded. “That’s okay, isn’t it?”

“It’s fine with me,” Bianca answered. “I just didn’t think your mum or Brax would be as...” Bianca trailed off.

“It’s not me they have the problem with,” April said. “Sorry, I mean -” April quickly tried to explain as she saw the look on Bianca’s face.

“I know what you meant,” Bianca sighed as she ran her hand through Katie’s ponytail. “Right you go get ready for bath time.” Bianca said and Katie ran off to her bedroom.

“Heath at work?” Ruby questioned.

“Yep,” Bianca pursed her lips together as she folded her arms across her chest. “Hopefully firing that bitch.” Bianca muttered under her breath.

“What?” April questioned. Bianca looked up to her sister and April could see she looked sad. “You and Heath are okay, right?” April questioned. “I thought you were working passed everything?”

“We are....we were, but....” Bianca bit her lip. “He slept with someone else.” Bianca spoke quietly and Ruby and April gasped, both shocked at the revelation.

“What a sh*t,” April sounded appalled by her brother-in-law’s behaviour. “You okay?” April stepped forward and rubbed Bianca’s arm in comfort.

“Yeah I mean it’s not like I’ve not done things that need forgiving lately. It’s just....this woman works at the restaurant and if he thinks we can carry on while he works with her....I....” Bianca shook her head. “We can’t, right?”

“It’ll be hard,” April answered. “You know who it was?”

“Rose,” Bianca answered. “The new supervisor.”

“She’s great at her job,” Ruby chimed in. “Sorry,” Ruby bit her lip as April glared at her. “That’s not relevant. She’s a home wrecker.” Ruby said and Bianca chuckled a little, amused at Ruby.

“That’s the kind of thing I wanted to hear,” Bianca said. “But she’s young and she’s attractive. They already done it once and continuing to work together is only going keep the option for them to do it again.” Bianca sighed.

“I’m not sure I know what one Rose is,” April screwed her face up. “What’s she like?”April looked to Ruby.

“She hot in an obvious kind of way,” Ruby answered before looking back to Bianca. “But Heath’s crazy for cheating on you. You’re beautiful inside and out.” Ruby said and April once again glared at her.

“I don’t know if I should be worried here,” April said. “You think Rose is hot and that my sister is beautiful?”

“I can give a woman a compliment without wanting to get into her pants,” Ruby said and Bianca laughed. “Besides the little home wrecker knows she’s hot and flaunts it and that’s not attractive.” Ruby said and April stared at her for a moment before looking back to Bianca.

“Ehm so,” April shook her head a little, like she was clearing what Ruby said for her mind. “What’s going to happen?” April questioned. “Don’t let him get away with this to easily. I know you did stuff too but you were sick. You had PND so weren’t thinking clearly. Heath was just being....a guy.”

“Oh yeah because girls wouldn’t do that, right?” Ruby questioned. “It takes two to tango babe.”

“Why are you on her side?” April glared at Ruby again.

“I not on anyone’s side,” Ruby sighed. “I’m saying that Heath’s not the only one to blame. That miss home wrecker will be just as much a reason this happened. Doesn’t sound like I am on her side at all. If anything I’m giving more blame to her. She’d have known Heath was married with kids.”

“Okay,” April gave her a little smile. “And I like the name you’ve given her. Miss home wrecker,” April said. “But let’s hope she’s not actually wrecked the home,” April screwed her face up a little as she looked back to Bianca. “You guys will still get passed all this, right?”

“I hope so,” Bianca exhaled. “But that depends on what Heath does next,” Bianca clicked her tongue. “You see I -”

“Mummy I am all ready.” Katie ran out naked from her bedroom, her goggles on top of her head.

Bianca, Ruby and April laughed at the sight. “Why do you have your goggles on?”

“I’m going in water.” Katie answered.

“A bath pumpkin, not the swimming pool.” Bianca said and Katie gave a little shrug.

“I get some toys.” Katie said running to the bathroom, Bianca hearing the cupboard door from under the sink banging against the wall as Katie opened it to pick out some bath toys.

“I best go bath her,” Bianca said before looking to the moses basket. “She should sleep for another 30 minutes to an hour but if she wakes can you -”

“Yeah we’ll watch her,” Ruby answered. “We were going to do DVD’s, wine and ice-cream in April’s room but we can sit out here and you can join us if you wish?” Ruby questioned.

“Yeah I’d like that.” Bianca smiled.

“Awesome,” April smiled. “Well you get Katie bathed and put to bed then we’ll start the first DVD once you are back.” April said and Bianca gave a little smile, pleased April was home for the night and that they had some girly movies, wine and ice-cream. It was just what she needed right now, of course something else being Charlie to talk to about all this but she knew that probably wouldn’t happen. She exhaled sadly before walking over to the bathroom to give Katie her bath.

******

Brax walked back into the room from being in the bathroom. He sighed as he walked around the bed and got in his side. “That was an awfully big sigh,” Charlie said. “Everything okay?” Brax sighed once again as he brought his hands up and rubbed Charlie’s cheeks, before tracing her face with his thumbs. “What you doing?” Charlie questioned, a little perplexed.

“I just....I....” Brax exhaled. Charlie brought her hand up and placed it over Brax’s. She rubbed it gently before leaning forward and placing a soft kiss on Brax’s lips. Brax smiled into the kiss letting it deepen a little. “I....I miss your face.” Brax spoke sadly.

“Ah I’d be glad I don’t have to look to at this old face again,” Charlie laughed, trying to lighten the mood. “Must be sick of it by now.”

“Never,” Brax mumbled. “I hate this darkness. I know that I am surrounded by family and friends but...I’ve never felt so lonely and alone in all my life.”

Charlie felt her heart tugging a little. “Well like you say we are all here for you.” Charlie rubbed his cheek.

“People treat me differently.” Brax sighed.

“I don’t,” Charlie exhaled. “I know you are more than capable of still doing things,” Charlie said. “And the kids don’t,” Charlie smiled as she once again rubbed his cheek. “And that’s the most important thing, right?”

“Yeah,” Brax cleared his throat. “And maybe if I.....well I know I doubt myself a bit and maybe if....” Brax exhaled and Charlie could see his eyes misting over.

“You show people that you are still capable then they won’t treat you any differently,” Charlie said and Brax gave a little nod. “And don’t you turn into a sissy,” Charlie gave a little laugh, once again trying to lighten the mood. “I think I’ve seen you cry more this last month than I have the whole 10 years we’ve been together.” Charlie wiped the tear that was falling down Brax’s cheek. Brax sniffed back before managing a little laugh.

“Thought it took a real man to cry.” Brax sniffed back once again.

“Well yeah,” Charlie exhaled. “But I don’t like that you are upset and there’s nothing...there’s nothing I can do.” Charlie pursed her lips together.

“You’re doing enough,” Brax leaned forward and once again kissed Charlie’s lips. “This is bound to be hard for you as well,” Brax tucked Charlie’s hair behind her ear. “So, listen, I uhm....what you said today about me taking the boys out....I....” Brax exhaled.

“Yeah you didn’t seem too thrilled about that.” Charlie clicked her tongue. “You don’t want to spent time with your boys?”

“Of course I would love to,” Brax answered. “It’s just....there are some things that will have to be a little different,” Brax said. “They’re just little boys and I can’t see. An adult should be able to see the kids they are responsible for.”

“Yeah but Noah is so sensible,” Charlie exhaled. “He’s a good kid. He knows what not to do and he’ll behave. He’s always does. It’ll be easy for you.”

“Noah’s not the one I am worried about,” Brax replied. “Noah, I would happily go out with, it’s the littler one I have my reservations about.”

“Tobes can be....boisterous I’ll give you that but he’s calmed down a lot with the arrival of Rolo and Luca and he’s....he’ll be told to behave well or that kind of stuff won’t happen again,” Charlie took Brax’s hand in hers, rubbing it gently. “Don’t let this stop you being a father to your kids.”

Brax gave a little nod to what Charlie said. “God you’d think I’d be used to this by now,” Brax said. “It’s nearly been a month.”

“You’re getting there. This was never going to be easy,” Charlie spoke softly. “Now, I have about an hour before Luca will wake up for a feed and I am exhausted,” Charlie spoke through a yawn, as if it came right on cue. “So, I’m going to cuddle with my gorgeous husband and try to get some sleep. That okay with you?”

“I don’t know where your gorgeous husband is.” Brax answered with a cheeky grin.

“Oh,” Charlie faked disappointment. “Well, you’ll do.” Charlie grinned before kissing his cheek then cuddling into Brax, closing her eyes and trying to get a little sleep before having to get up for Luca.

[Danni02]

Thank you for the comments.

One hundred and thirteen

Ruby was watching April as she slept. She was hugging her cookie monster teddy close to her, her eyes fluttering slightly, like she was dreaming. Ruby never thought that she could be so in love with another woman, but she knew that she’d found the one in April. She didn’t want to be with anyone but her for as long as she lived. Ruby light brushed her hand down her cheek. April moaned a little before turning around in the bed, keeping a tight hold of her teddy. Ruby exhaled as she got out of bed and left the bedroom, going to get herself a drink from the kitchen. “Hey.” Ruby rubbed her eyes as she walked into the lightly, seeing Bianca trying to balance holding a crying Freya in her arms as she tried to make up a bottle.

"She hasn't woken you, has she?" Bianca asked.

“No I’ve been awake a while,” Ruby took the spoon from Bianca and measured out some formula. “This enough?” Ruby questioned and Bianca gave a little nod.

“Well she has been crying for a while.” Bianca sighed, as she rocked Freya in her arms.

“It’s fine, she didn’t wake me,” Ruby answered. “Anyways I’ve got enough younger siblings who did their fair share of crying in the night when they were babies. I’m used to it. In fact it’s strange when I don’t hear a baby cry in the night.”

Bianca gave a little laugh. “I guess you’ve got Luca at home as well.”

“Ah Luca, now that little bean doesn’t cry. I’ve never heard him. Well, I have but like once or twice since he’s been home. And it’s been through the day. He’s very chilled,” Ruby added the water to the bottle. “That enough?”

“Uhm,” Bianca looked to it. “Go to the next marking,” Bianca said and Ruby put in a little more water before putting the lid on and vigorously shaking the bottle. “She’s not actually due a feed but she just won’t stop crying so maybe she’s still a little hungry.”

“Worth a try.” Ruby handed out the bottle to Bianca.

“Can you heat it up please?” Bianca said and Ruby gave a little nod before putting the bottle in the microwave.

“So, Heath not up helping?” Ruby pursed her lips together, knowing Heath was probably a sensitive topic right now.

“He’s still asleep,” Bianca exhaled. “Or he’s pretending to be, I don’t know for sure,” Bianca bit her lip. “April will still be out of it, right?” Bianca questioned.

Ruby gave a little nod. “Not sure a bomb blast would even wake her from her slumber.” Ruby muttered and Bianca laughed as she continued to try to sooth her crying baby.

“So uhm,” Bianca bit her lip. “How’s Brax?”

“Different each day.” Ruby answered.

Bianca gave a curt nod. “You know I am truly sorry and I feel awful for what happened. I would never hurt Brax on purpose.”

“I know,” Ruby nodded. “And mum knows that too. In fact I think even Brax does but he’s just....he needs to get used to things and it’s just taking a little bit of time.”

“I just wish Charlie and I could....” Bianca bowed her head down. “I miss her. I.... I could really do with her right now.” Ruby could see Bianca was welling up. Even though she had herself and April to talk with about Heath’s betrayal and even Leah or Irene, Charlie was her best friend, more like a sister, someone who’d always been there to help her through things since she was a teenager and Ruby could see how badly Bianca wanted her back in her life.

“I’m pretty sure she misses you too. In fact, I know she does, but Brax is her husband. What can she do?” Ruby questioned.

“I know,” Bianca sighed. “It’s tough for her.” Bianca opened the microwave as it beeped, indicating that the bottle was ready. She took it out and gave it a little shake before putting it on her forearm, testing it wasn’t too hot. She licked it off before putting the bottle in Freya’s mouth, this silencing her as she drank.

“Oh she stopped.” Bianca and Ruby looked around to see a tired little Katie rubbing her eyes.

“I’ll take her back to bed.” Ruby said and Bianca gave her a thankful smile before Ruby walked over to Katie, taking her by the hand and walking her though to her bedroom.

******

“Hey, I’m home.” Ruby walked into the kitchen where Charlie was putting a load into the washing machine.

“Oh hey,” Charlie looked up to her eldest daughter. “You not at uni today?”

“Yeah but I am not in till 12 on a Monday,” Ruby answered, walking over the cupboard and taking out the laundry detergent for her mother. “You know it’s been that way for nearly a year now.”

“Yeah sorry,” Charlie yawned. “I don’t know what day it is right now,” Charlie took the detergent from Ruby and put some in the machine. “How was your night?”

“Yeah good,” Ruby answered. “DVD’s, wine, ice-cream. What’s not good about that?”

“Nothing much.” Charlie replied as she stood up.

“So, where’s Brax?” Ruby questioned.

“Chilling out out back with Rolo,” Charlie answered as she gestured to the back garden. “Working on his sun tan.”

Ruby gave a little laugh. “Where’s Luca bean?” Ruby questioned.

“He out back swimming.” Charlie answered.

“He is a clever little one, isn’t he?” Ruby said and Charlie nodded her head as she started to walk through to the living room, with Ruby following behind her. They looked down into the moses basket where Luca was laying - now awake - spread out like a start fish as his eyes darted around. “Hey my little Luca bean,” Ruby picked her baby brother up as she cooed and made little baby noises as she held him. Luca continued to look around him as Charlie cupped his head.

“Aww he’s probably thinking who’s this crazy thing I have as a sister.” Charlie laughed.

“Hey,” Ruby glared up at her mother, her voice raised. “I’m the coolest big sister ever. He is very lucky to have someone like me to show him the ways of life.”

Charlie gave a little laugh. “Well at least 3 of my children are happy with him.”

“You leave Ella to me.” Ruby said and Charlie looked at her curiously before looking back to Luca.

“What do you think buddy, is that a good idea?” Charlie questioned.

“It’s a fine idea, isn’t it my little Luca bean?” Ruby questioned. “How can anyone not like you?” Ruby cooed once again. “So, uhm listen mum, I....” Ruby bit her lip as she looked to her mother. “Bianca -”

“Ruby don’t,” Charlie interrupted. “I can’t. I....” Charlie pursed her lips together. “I can’t.”

“You don’t know what I am going to say,” Ruby said. “So how do you know if you can’t?” Ruby rubbed Luca’s back soothing as she spoke.

Charlie clicked her tongue. “Okay, what is it?”

“Heath slept with Rose,” Ruby said and Charlie widened her eyes in shock as her mouth opened a little. “Yeah, my thoughts too,” Ruby exhaled. “Anyways, she uhm....she really needs you, mum.”

“See I told you,” Charlie tapped Ruby’s arm. “I can’t talk to her. I feel for her for Heath’s cheating because no matter what anyone has done they don’t deserve to be cheated on but I....” Charlie pursed her lips. “If Brax found out, I....I’m not going to lose him again. We’ve split up twice already. We break this off for a third time that’s probably it for us.”

“Why you talking about breaking up with Brax?” Ruby scrunched her nose. “All I’m asking you is to talk to Bianca. Give her that one chat she really wants. She needs you. You are her go to person.”

“I can’t. If Brax’s finds out he’ll be mad. He doesn’t want me being friends with her and I need to respect that.”

“What about what you want?” Ruby questioned. “I know it sucks for Brax but Bianca had PND. Do you really think she wanted Brax to go blind?” Ruby asked. “This happened because of illness,” Ruby exhaled. “You and Bianca are best friends, no, more than that, you two are like sisters,” Ruby said. “20 years mum. You’ve know her twenty years. That’s twice as long as you’ve know Brax.”

“But he is my husband,” Charlie exhaled. She hated feeling like she was stuck between a rock and a hard place. No matter what she did here, someone would get their feelings hurt. “Sometimes in a marriage you need to do things for the other that you might not be that happy with. That’s what comes with marriage.”

“Exactly,” Ruby exhaled. “You sometimes have to do things that the other might not be happy about,” Ruby said. “Even if you just gave her this one time. I know how much it would mean to her.”

Charlie pursed her lips together, feeling upset that her friend was going through stuff and she couldn’t be there to help, no matter how much she wanted to. “I uhm...” Charlie rubbed her forehead.

“Think about it at least.” Ruby spoke softly.

“We eh,” Charlie exhaled. “Let’s get this one outside to see daddy.” Charlie said, taking Luca from Ruby before she made an exit from the room.

“Think about it.” Ruby said again as she watched Charlie walking away, hoping she would at least do that.

[Danni02]

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

One hundred and fourteen.

Charlie was standing staring at the door wondering if she should knock or not. “Aww buddy I wish you could tell me what to do,” Charlie looked down to her son in the car seat. He gave a yawn in reply and Charlie stifled a laugh. “I’m sorry, is it boring with mummy?” Charlie took a deep breath before knocking on the door. She heard footsteps and felt a strange feeling in her stomach, knowing she was betraying her husband’s wishes.

“Oh hi,” Bianca smiled lightly. “Uhm Heath is at work.” Bianca rubbed the back of her head, thinking the only reason Charlie must be there would be to talk to Heath.

“I know,” Charlie answered. “I didn’t come to see him. I eh....I came to talk to you.”

“Oh, well, come in,” Bianca spoke casually, trying to hide how pleased she was as she gestured into the house. “Can I get you a drink?”

“No thanks,” Charlie shook her head as she put the car seat down on the floor. “I can’t stay long. I need to get Toby from Kindy.” Bianca gave a little nod as she sat down on the chair, the pair of them watching Freya as she was on her play mat.

“So, Ruby said this little one never cries?” Bianca gestured to Luca.

“He’s great,” Charlie answered, watching as Bianca continued to stare at him. “You eh....you want a hold?” Charlie asked.

“Sure,” Bianca replied with a smile. Charlie leaned down and took Luca from the car seat, passing him over to Bianca. “Oh he’s so light,” Bianca rubbed his back as she held him. “Freya is a little chubster compared to him.”

“She’s not chubby,” Charlie answered. “She’s just growing well,” Charlie smiled fondly down to her niece. Freya babbled as she waved her arms out excitedly before giving her auntie a smile. “Aww what a pretty smile. Is this a new trick she’s learned?”

“Yeah,” Bianca answered. “Gave us her first smile yesterday, just after our 6 week.”

“Everything go okay?” Charlie asked.

“Mmm, she’s great.” Bianca answered.

“And you are good?” Charlie questioned.

“Physically, yes,” Bianca gave a little nod as she continued to rub Luca’s back. “But emotionally?” Bianca exhaled as she shook her head. “I don’t mean in that way,” Bianca glanced down at Freya before looking back to Charlie. “I mean because -”

“I know what you meant,” Charlie spoke over her friend. “Ruby told me what he did,” Charlie explained when she saw the questioning look on Bianca’s face. “How are you?”

Bianca exhaled sadly. “I....I’m hurt,” Bianca answered. “I know he can be a massive idiot at times but I always loved how loyal he was. I thought he would have remained loyal to me. I thought.....” Bianca bowed her head down. “Well we vowed to remain faithful to each other and.....” Bianca trailed off. “He broke that. I know that I hurt him to in a different way but.....well I had PND. I didn’t know what I was doing....Heath he....he had a choice and he made the wrong one.”

“I know,” Charlie nodded. “But maybe....” Charlie clicked her tongue. “Maybe you need some time apart.” Charlie bit her lip, not sure how Bianca would take her suggestion.

“You think we should split up?” Bianca sounded shocked. “Is this because of what happened with Brax? You want me -”

“It’s got nothing to do with Brax,” Charlie answered. “I’m not talking forever. I just mean take a break. It worked for Brax and me when I was pregnant with Tobes and although the next split was a lot longer than I’d have liked and he took to sleeping with someone else which I didn’t appreciated one bit, at the end of it all, I think we needed it. We are stronger than ever now.”

“But splitting up, I...I don’t know.” Bianca shook her head.

“Don’t think of it as splitting up,” Charlie exhaled. “You are taking a break to work on getting your marriage back. Or if you really don’t like that idea maybe you could do marriage counselling,” Charlie scrunched her nose up at her suggestion. It wasn’t something she’d ever want to do but maybe it would work for Bianca and Heath. Charlie looked down to her watch. “But anyways, I need to go get Toby, so...” Charlie stood up as Bianca stood up with her, Charlie taking Luca back into her arms and placing him in his car seat.

“Well thanks for coming and for the advice,” Bianca smiled as she followed Charlie to the door. “Maybe we could do it again sometime.” Bianca sounded hopeful.

“I’ll see you around.” Charlie said, choosing to not give Bianca’s comment an answer.

“Yeah.” Bianca exhaled, watching as Charlie walked over to the car, strapping in Luca’s car seat before she got into the driver’s side and drove off.

******

After the twins got home from school and Ruby was finished uni for the day Ruby took Ella into town. She was treating her sister to a strawberry milkshake and a piece of chocolate cake from the Diner. Ella was taking a drink through the straw, her eyes watching her sister. “Ruby,” Ella sat back in the chair. “Why are we here?”

“I just thought it would be nice to have some sisterly bonding time,” Ruby answered. “Don’t you think that would be nice?”

“Yeah,” Ella answered. “Not with the boys or the baby.” Ella screwed her face up.

“Aww poor little Luca,” Ruby exhaled. She was going to wait a while to bring up the topic of Luca but since Ella had already mentioned him she may as well continuing talking about him. “He’s just a baby.”

“But he’s a boy,” Ella pouted sadly. “I really really wanted a girl baby.”

“I know you did,” Ruby said. “But, hey, at least Luca won’t steal your clothes or toys. He’ll be doing that to Noah and Toby but not you.”

“Oh yeah a girl would do that,” Ella said before putting a piece of chocolate cake in her mouth. “But with a girl I could -”

“Ella,” Ruby interjected. “You know what mum thinks about you speaking with your mouthful,”

Ella sighed before swallowing her piece of cake. She took a drink of her milkshake before looking silently at her sister. “You can talk now.”

“A girl could play babies with me when she’s bigger,” Ella said. “Boys like stupid things.”

“By the time she would have been old enough to start playing games like that you’ll probably think you are too old to be playing babies,” Ruby told her. “But you know, you can still do cool things with Luca. You can show him how to colour and paint and teach him how to swing and ride a bike. You can help him with that.”

“Would he be a surfer?” Ella questioned.

“If daddy has anything to do with it, yes,” Ruby nodded. “You can help daddy show him.”

“Daddy won’t,” Ella shook her head. “His eyes are broken so he can’t surf.”

“Well then someone needs to show little Luca bean how, huh?” Ruby questioned and Ella nodded her head. “And you know what else? You are mum and dad’s only little girl. How special is that?”

“That’s what mummy said too,” Ella exhaled. “We is going to get special days like you and her do.”

“Ah see, that will be so much fun,” Ruby gasped. “Just you two girls. But if the baby was a sister then she’d want to come too, wouldn’t she?”

“Yeah,” Ella nodded. “Maybe it better he a boy.”

“I think so,” Ruby nodded her head. “Leave the boys to the rough and tumble and you and mummy can go have some girly time.”

“Ruby will Luca be sad I no been cuddling him?” Ella questioned, all of a sudden looking upset.

“Well I think he’d love to get cuddles off his big sister,” Ruby answered. “I remember when Toby was born you’d want to give him cuddles all day.”

“Really?” Ella screwed her face up. “Toby is so annoying.” Ella slapped her hand against her thigh and Ruby laughed a little. Although she knew they loved each other like crazy, Ella and Toby would usually get on each other nerves of course Ella mostly liking to wind her little brother up.

“Toby is one of a kind,” Ruby laughed. “But he’s awesome. And little Luca will be too. You could have lots of fun with a baby brother.”

“Sara from school, well she said that her baby brother laughs when she plays peek-a-boo with him. Would Luca do that?” Ella asked.

“I’m sure when he is old enough he’ll love it.” Ruby said and Ella gave a little grin.

“He is cute,” Ella grinned. “Really really cute.”

“Yeah he is,” Ruby smiled, thinking of him. “See, there’s not much I can think of that’s bad about having a brother, huh?”

“No,” Ella answered. “I’ll be nice with him now, Ruby, I will.” Ella gave a curt nod before taking a big piece of chocolate cake to her mouth. Ruby smiled at her sister before taking a drink of her coffee hoping Ella would start interacting with Luca more.

[Danni02]

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

One hundred and fifteen

“Mummy.” Ella ran into the kitchen, back home from being out with Ruby.

“Hey petal,” Charlie wrapped her arms around her as she cuddled into her. “You have a good time with Ruby?”

“Yeah,” Ella answered. “She got me chocolate cake and a milkshake.” Ella beamed.

“Ah lucky you,” Charlie smiled as she ran her hand through Ella’s ponytail. “Did you bring cake for mummy?”

“No,” Ella answered. “I ate it all.” Ella patted her stomach.

“Not even a crumb left for mummy?” Charlie pouted and Ella giggled.

“No mum,” Ella told her. “It was too yummy.”

“Leah’s cake is very yummy indeed,” Charlie said before exhaling. “Daddy and the boys are playing snakes and ladders. You going to go join them?” Charlie questioned.

Ella scratched the side of her head. “No,” Ella answered. “Can we have a special mummy Ella time?”

“Now?” Charlie questioned and Ella nodded. “Well what did you want to do?”

“Bake,” Ella answered. “Cupcakes.” Ella added, but of course this wasn’t needed. Charlie knew her daughter would want to bake cupcakes.

“And let me guess you want pink and yellow icing?” Charlie questioned and Ella shook her head, surprising her mother.

“Blue.” Ella answered.

“Blue,” Charlie sounded shocked at Ella’s answer. She felt her daughter’s forehead before putting her hands onto her shoulders, looking into her eyes. “Is this really my little Ella?” Charlie questioned. “Ella wouldn’t pick blue.” Charlie said and Ella giggled in amusement.

“It’s really me mummy,” Ella said. “I want blue for baby Luca.”

“Ahh okay.” Charlie gave a little smile, looking up as Ruby walked into the room, seeing that whatever Ruby had said to her had had some effect.

“Yeah,” Ella said. “He can come watch if you want cos I know he’s little and you can’t be away from baby Luca too much.”

“Aww,” Charlie felt her heart melt a little at Ella’s offer. “I’m sure Luca will do just fine with daddy and the boys,” Charlie told her. “And Rubes is here too.” Ella looked around to Ruby before looking back to her mother.

“So it’s just me and you?” Ella beamed before giving a little jump of excitement.

“Just me and you petal,” Charlie pinched her daughters cheek before standing back up straight and opening the fridge, taking out the juice boxes, the whole reason she’d walked into the kitchen in the first place. “How about you take these to the boys and then come back through and we’ll bake some cupcakes, okay?”

“Yeah,” Ella nodded before screwing her face up a little. “Why is there 3?” Ella questioned. “Luca is too little for a juice box mummy.” Ella gave a little giggle.

“I know,” Charlie answered. “One is for daddy.”

“Daddy wanted a juice box?” Ella looked puzzled. “Really?” Ella giggled.

“He did.” Charlie told her.

“Oh will I need to open it for him?” Ella asked. “He’ll no see to put the straw in. But I can. I could do if for daddy.”

“I think he’ll be able to manage,” Charlie told her. “But you can watch him and if he struggles you help him out, okay?” Charlie said and Ella nodded before running off out of the room.

“Hey,” Ruby waked over, opening the fridge and taking out a juice box for herself. “Did you eh....” Ruby cleared her throat as she pierced the straw into the hole.

“Yes I spoke to her.” Charlie exhaled her voice quiet as Brax was only across the hall.

Ruby gave a little smile. Of course she didn’t like her mother going behind Brax’s back but she knew it must be hard for her to not see Bianca. “So you helped her out?”

“I don’t know if I helped her,” Charlie gave a little shrug. “I told her that maybe they need to take a break.”

“What?” Ruby screeched. “You suggested that they split up?” Ruby sounded gobsmacked.

“No, I didn’t say that,” Charlie exhaled. “I said some time apart might be good. They can get over what each other did and work at being in each other’s company again. It might be better for the girls. I could imagine there’s a lot of tension right now.”

“So help her with working through it,” Ruby said. “Telling someone to break up so they can have a better marriage is just stupid,” Ruby exhaled. “It’s no way to fix things.”

“It worked for Brax and I.” Charlie said.

“It doesn’t mean it was right,” Ruby retorted. “Jesus mum when I asked you to talk to her I never thought you’d go tell her to break up with Heath.”

“Well you don’t have to like the advice I gave, and honestly, it probably was the wrong thing to say but quite frankly I didn’t know what else to tell her and it was a bit awkward being there knowing I was betraying my husband’s wishes,” Charlie retorted. “I knew she wanted me to say something so I said the first thing that came to my mind.” Charlie told her.

“Yeah but splitting up?” Ruby questioned. “You really want that for them?”

“Of course not,” Charlie answered. “I also told her to give marriage counselling a go so maybe they’ll do that.”

“Heath, go to marriage counselling?” Ruby sniggered. “I not sure, but at least it was a better suggestion that your first.” Ruby screwed her face up before taking a drink of her juice box.

Charlie exhaled lightly as Ella came back into the room. “You ready mummy?”

“Yeah.” Charlie smiled down at Ella. Ella grinned as she ran over to the pantry and took her apron from the hook, getting down Charlie’s as well. She looked up at Ruby, glaring silently at her.

“I’m going.” Ruby mumbled before walking out of the room, leaving Charlie and Ella to their special time together.

******

Ruby put the pill into her mouth and took a mouthful of water, swallowing it down. She exhaled as she picked up the next one and did the same. “You still popping pills?” April questioned. Ruby looked round to see her propped up against the doorframe.

“Till the day I die.” Ruby picked up a third pill and swallowed it down with a mouthful of water.

“So you mean I am stuck with a junkie?” April joked walking into the room and over to her girlfriend.

“Afraid so,” Ruby took her fourth and final pill. “But if it’s going to stop my body from rejecting Brax’s kidney then who are we to complain?” Ruby questioned.

“Exactly. As long as I have my baby here,” April said, wrapping her arms around Ruby’s waist before placing a soft kiss on her lips. “Enjoy your time out with Ella?” April questioned as they walked over to the bed, sitting down on it.

“Yeah it was good,” Ruby answered. “Have you seen Bianca today?” Ruby questioned.

“Not since this morning,” April shook her head. “I came straight here after placement. How come?”

“Just wondered how she was doing.” Ruby pursed her lips.

“She’s hurt. I know that but she’s putting on a happy face in front of Katie. Kinda has to really though. They don’t want her being caught up in anything.” April took Ruby’s hand in hers, entwining them together.

“Of course not,” Ruby exhaled. “I do hope they can work things out though.”

“Yeah me too,” April replied. “I’m sure they will. They’re crazy in love.”

“Yeah,” Ruby smiled. “Think they are meant to be.”

“Mmm, who else do you think is meant to be?” April grinned, her eyebrows raising.

“Uhm.....mum and Brax of course,” Ruby answered. “And Dex and Adrian. They’re just the sweetest.” Ruby smiled, thinking of her friends’ relationship.

“And that’s it?” April questioned.

“Hmmm,” Ruby nodded trying to keep the grin off her face at teasing her girlfriend. Of course she thought she and April were meant to be. April really was her soul mate, but right now, playing with April was just too much fun. “All I can think of right now.” Ruby said, the grin slowly starting to creep onto her face. She laughed as she saw the look on April’s face before leaning forward and smacking her lips against hers.

“Well anyways, speaking of Dex and Adrian, it’s her 21st on Saturday. Been asked out for some drinks.” April said.

“Ah yeah should be a fun night,” Ruby replied. “Been a while since we’ve been out actually.”

“Yeah that’s what I thought,” April agreed. “So we need to go shopping too, get her something cool.”

“Hmm yeah,” Ruby pursed her lips, thinking what they could get Adrian. “Well we can think about that later,” Ruby said. “You bring your bikini?”

“Uhm yeah.” April answered.

“Sweet, let’s go for a swim before dinner.” Ruby jumped up from her bed, walking over to her drawers to get her bikini out to go for a swim.

******

Heath gestured for Henry to follow him into the office. Henry stopped putting away the clean glasses and walked through behind him. “What’s up?” Henry questioned.

“Rose,” Heath exhaled, feeling the betrayal of what he did when he said her name. “You eh....what do you think of her work?”

“I think she’s great,” Henry told him. “She’s quick, she’s great with the customers, she knows what she’s doing.”

“Hmmm,” Heath pursed his lips. “I don’t think she is right for us.”

“Why?” Henry wondered. “What’s she doing that’s not right for us?”

“Eh...” Heath rubbed the back of his head as he tried to think of something to say. “She just doesn’t fit with the look of the place.”

“What the hell does that mean?” Henry screwed his face up. “You alright mate?” Henry stifled a laugh. “She’s probably a better supervisor than you and I put together.”

“She’s just...” Heath sighed loudly, frustrated. There was no reason he could think of to fire Rose.

“Hey boys.” Rose’s voice could be heard as she walked into the office, putting her bag on the floor.

“That,” Heath pointed to Rose. “You should put your stuff in the staff room. This office is for managers only.”

“Aww I’m sure you can let it slide for me,” Rose raised her eyebrows as she walked over to Heath. “I’m special, right?” Rose whispered as she rubbed his arm. Heath took a deep breath, trying not to look at how her dress perfectly sat on her body, her cleavage being pushed up rather nicely.

“Just get to work Rose,” Heath exhaled. “And you are late. You are supposed to start at 7.” Heath glanced at the clock on the wall.

“It’s 7.03.” Rose laughed.

“So that’s 3 minutes late,” Heath exhaled. “Now get to work.” Heath gestured for her to leave and Rose sighed lightly before walking out of the office.

“Mate,” Henry laughed. “I remember back in the day you would saunter in 30 minutes late acting like it was no big deal.”

“That was then, this is now,” Heath said. “I’m running this place in the absence of Charlie and I’m not going to let it go down.”

“And you think that will happen because Rose was 3 minutes late?” Henry laughed.

“Just get to work.” Heath said. Henry rolled his eyes before leaving the office. Heath sighed as he leaned forward, his hands resting on the desk. He had no reason to fire Rose, yet he knew if he didn’t Bianca would most likely leave him and he didn’t want that at all. He wanted the four of them to be together. He exhaled loudly before walking out into the restaurant, ready to work.

[Danni02]

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

One hundred and sixteen

Charlie pushed the pram out of the diner as Toby ran off towards the beach. “Noah,” Charlie yelled out after him. “Luca....El...” Charlie shook her head.

“He’s Toby.” Noah said.

“Thanks buddy,” Charlie gave a little laugh. “Toby, up here bud, we’re not going to the beach.”

Toby turned to face his mother, looking saddened. He marched back up to her, a sad pout on his face. “Long day?” Charlie looked around as she heard the voice.

Charlie exhaled as she shook her head. “Well with 5 kids I’m bound to muck their names up at some point right?” Charlie said and Bianca gave a little laugh as the Toby and Katie made a break for the beach.

“Ella go down with them,” Charlie said. “Stay right by that sign.” Charlie pointed to the sign right at the beginning of the sand. Ella gave a little nod before running down after them.

“Hey buddy,” Bianca said as she saw Noah staring up at her. “How are you?”

“I don’t get to do karate now,” Noah sighed looking down to his broken leg. “I was ready for my orange belt exam but you broke my leg.”

“I’m really sorry buddy,” Bianca said. “You know I didn’t mean to hurt you.” Bianca started to rock the pram as Freya started whimpering.

Noah gave a little shrug. “My friends at karate will do it and they might be in a different class than me cos they will be orange and I will still be yellow.”

“You’ll catch up,” Charlie ruffled his hair. “And it’s only 2 more weeks you need to be in your cast for so you’ll be back at karate soon.”

Noah exhaled before looking down to Ella, Toby and Katie. “I’m going down there.” Noah said before walking off, rather speedily, now an expert on his crutches.

“Apart from the broken leg, how is he?” Bianca questioned. “It must have been a pretty traumatic experience for him.”

“He’s been fine,” Charlie answered. “Maybe too fine, I don’t know. The first couple of nights he wanted to sleep in with Brax and I but then he seemed to be fine.”

“Well kids are resilient.” Bianca said, continuing to push the pram a little.

“Yeah,” Charlie murmured. “So listen, the advice I gave you at the beginning of the week, I....” Charlie shook her head. “I wouldn’t really listen to it. I don’t think it was the right thing to say.”

“I was actually thinking of taking it,” Bianca said and Charlie widened her eyes, shocked. “The marriage counselling,” Bianca added. “Not the break up advice.”

“Good,” Charlie exhaled before an awkward silence met the pair. She glanced out to the kids before looking back to Bianca. “Well I best home. Brax doesn’t like being on his own for too long.”

“Right.” Bianca gave a little nod.

“Kids c’mon,” Charlie shouted out to her kids. “See you.” Charlie said before continuing to walk over to her car, turning her head to see the kids coming towards her the first time she called, which surprised her a little.

******

Ruby came back to the table with the round of drinks. It had ended up just Ruby, April, Adrian and Dex with all of Adrian’s friends from uni staying at other pubs with other friends or going home already. “Oh and my number one would definitely be Liam Hemsworth. He is oh my God hot.” Adrian gushed.

“Huh, what we talking about?” Ruby questioned, handing the wine to her girlfriend then giving a beer each to Adrian and Dex and of course keeping one for herself.

“The 5 famous people we are allowed to bump uglies with and our partner can’t get mad.” Dex said before taking a drink of his beer.

“Ahh,” Ruby raised her eyebrows. “Well what about Chris Hemsworth? He is jaw droppingly gorgeous. Especially as Thor.....wow.” Ruby fanned herself down with her hand.

Adrian laughed. “Liam is more my cup of tea.”

“What about you April?” Dex questioned. “Who would you like to have your way with?”

“I know this already,” Ruby lifted her hand in the air slightly. “Mila Kunis, Mila Kunis, Mila Kunis, Mila Kunis and.......oh, Mila Kunis.”

“Can’t argue with that,” April replied. “Mila Kunis is perfect. She is so.....” April sighed dreamily.

“So who else but Chris Hemsworth?” Adrian questioned.

“Uhm....Ryan Reynolds,” Ruby answered. “Channing Tatum....oh yes please Channing Tatum. Eh....” Ruby scratched her head as she tried to think of more names. “Bradley Cooper and Ryan Philippe.”

April raised her eyebrows a little surprised Ruby had picked all males. She took a drink of her wine but the look didn’t go unnoticed by Dex. “No females?” Dex questioned.

“I have my girl here.” Ruby patted April’s thigh as she kissed her cheek.

“Aww,” Adrian gushed. “You two are such the cutest,” Adrian’s drunken eyes didn’t quiet focus on the couple as she tried to point to them. “Aren’t they the cutest?” Adrian turned in Dex’s direction. “Babe, say they are the cutest.”

“You’re the cutest.” Dex rolled his eyes.

“Aww and you are my cutie-pie,” Adrian squashed Dex’s cheeks before placing a kiss on his lips. “So here is something that I have always wondered,” Adrian turned back to face Ruby and April. “How do lesbians actually....you know....” Adrian made some gestures with her hands.

“Oh that note I think I am going to use the restroom.” Ruby said, standing up as she saw a look of shock on Dex’s face at why she would possibly need to know that. She heard April trying to stop a laugh from coming from her.

“What?” Adrian saw the look on Dex’s face. “I am just curious.” Ruby laughed as she walked away from the table, making her way over to the restroom.

“Hey baby.” Ruby turned around as she heard his voice.

“I’m not your baby.” Ruby told him.

“No sorry you are just my wife,” Romeo laughed before said before taking a drink of his beer. “So how’s your night going?”

“Yeah it’s good,” Ruby pursed her lips. “Yours?”

“Alright,” Romeo exhaled. “Might be about to get better...” Romeo trailed off as he took a step closer to Ruby and lightly caressed her arm.

“No, it’s really not.” Ruby shrugged back from him.

Romeo sighed sadly. “So you didn’t just leave me for a woman but you had to steal my best friend too?” Romeo glanced over to the table and looked at Dex before looking back to Ruby.

“I didn’t steal your best friend,” Ruby answered. “You are the one who gave him the stupid ‘it’s me or her’ line so....” Ruby gave a shrug. “He would gladly be your friend again, Romeo. There’s no reason why he can stay friends with both of us.”

Romeo sniggered. “And I see no reason why we can’t try again,” Romeo sounded sad as he once again touched Ruby’s arm. “Please, babe, I love you so much. I can give you so much more than she can,” Romeo said. “You want kids, right? Egg plus egg doesn’t equal a baby,” Romeo said. “You need some sperm.”

“And there’s places I can get that,” Ruby told him. “Look, just....” Ruby exhaled. “Let me go.”

Romeo shook his head as he lightly rubbed her cheek. “I can’t.” Romeo whispered before leaning down and placing a soft kiss on Ruby’s lips. Ruby pulled away immediately but Romeo pushed her head back towards him, smacking his lips again hers.

“Don’t,” Ruby pushed him back before glancing over to the table to see April standing on her feet, staring over at them. She exhaled lightly as April shook her head, Ruby seeing the look of upset on her face before she ran from the bar. “April.” Ruby shouted before running out after her.

[Danni02]

Thanks for the comments.

One hundred and seventeen

Charlie picked up Luca from the moses basket. She walked back over to her bed and sat herself down, before beginning feed her son. She looked down to him, his big green eyes moving around as he fed. She lightly stroked over the fine little hairs on his head. “You look so much like your daddy, baby, you do,” Charlie spoke softly. “I wish so much that he could see you.”

“Me too.” Charlie was startled as she heard Brax’s voice.

“I thought you were sleeping.” Charlie said, turning to look at him as he sat up in the bed.

“Nope,” Brax shook his head. “Been eh....been thinking, Ella sure does have an imagination.”

“Oh,” Charlie looked confused. “What’s she said?”

“When I was telling her a bedtime story she told me that you were talking to Bianca at the beach today and I know she must have made that up because you wouldn’t go behind my back, would you?”

Charlie bit her lip. “Look, I bumped into her as we were leaving the Diner,” Charlie exhaled. “We said hello.” Charlie told him.

“You just happened to bump into her, did you?” Brax sniggered.

“Yes,” Charlie raised her voice. “It’s a small town Brax. We are going to bump into each other from time to time.”

“Well it doesn’t mean you have to talk,” Brax spat. Charlie took a deep breath before pursing her lips. “How many more times have you ‘bumped into her?’” Brax used quotation marks as he spoke.

“Once,” Charlie bowed her head a little. “I eh....I went to see her at her house.”

“So not really bumping into her then, was it?” Brax sounded like anger was building up in him.

“No but,” Charlie bit her lip. “Heath cheated on her,” Charlie exhaled. “And she....she was upset and I....she’s my best friend,” Charlie lightly rubbed Luca’s back as he continued to feed. “More than that, she’s...” Charlie paused. “I’m sorry. I am so sorry for going behind your back but I can’t just cut her from my life. I’ve known her 20 years.”

“I’m your husband,” Brax hit his chest. “You husband and I’ve asked you not to talk to her.”

“I know but I....” Charlie paused. “It’s hard to just cut her out of my life. I love her.”

“And you are supposed to be in love with me,” Brax shouted. “The one thing I’ve asked of you Charlie and you can’t even do it. I have to live with this hell and you are continuing to talk to the person responsible,” Brax got out of the bed and made his way over to the door. “I can’t believe you could do this to me.”

“Where are you going?” Charlie questioned. “Come back to bed.”

“I want to be away from you right now.” Brax spat before walking out of the bedroom. Charlie exhaled as she looked down to her son. Of course she felt bad for not doing as Brax had requested after saying she would, but at the same time, she felt upset that Brax had asked this of her. He knew what Bianca meant to her and that it would be hard to stop talking to her just like that. Of course there was a part of herself that didn’t like what Bianca had done, but she didn’t feel it was worth throwing away a friendship as long as theirs.

“Oh Luca what can we do?” Charlie questioned as she rubbed the side of his head. She exhaled lightly, continuing to watch her son as he fed.

******

“April,” Ruby was chasing after her girlfriend as she was walking quickly away from the bar. “Sweets,” Ruby spoke a little louder. “April wait,” Ruby yelled as April continued to walk away from her. “April,” Ruby finally caught up with her, placing her hand onto her shoulder. April span round to face her and Ruby could see her eyes misting over. “Sweets I swear he kissed me,” Ruby explained. “I didn’t want it. I pushed him away, you saw.”

“All I know is I look up to see your lips on his.” April spoke sadly.

“I didn’t want his lips on mine,” Ruby sighed. “I swear to you, April,” Ruby rubbed April’s arm but April shrugged away. “He kissed me. I didn’t initiate or reciprocate,” April pursed her lips together, staring into Ruby’s eyes. “God I’ve been going crazy because we can’t divorce yet. Do you really think I’d suddenly want to kiss him?”

April shook her head shyly. “No I eh.....I suppose not.”

“You suppose not?” Ruby questioned.

“Well I dunno,” April shrugged. “You picked all guys in your list and -”

“It was just a stupid list,” Ruby sighed. “It’s not like it’s ever going to happen.”

“I know, but still....we are supposed to be a couple and you are off kissing other guys and thinking about doing....” April screwed her face up. “That with guys.”April exhaled, folding her arms across her chest and rubbing her upper arms, feeling the chill of the late night breeze.

“He kissed me,” Rub yelled as she hit her chest. “And what do you mean supposed to be a couple?” Ruby questioned. “We are a couple,” Ruby spoke with emphasis. “Don’t punish me because I still find guys attractive,” April bit her lip. “And while we are on the subject of ‘doing’ other people,” Ruby used quotation marks as she spoke. “You mention how you would do Mila Kunis rather frequently and I say nothing. I play along in fact.”

“That’s completely different. Mila is just a fantasy.” April said.

“Oh and Channing Tatum isn’t, right enough.” Ruby scoffed.

“You know I’m not on about Channing Tatum.” April replied, looking away from her.

“So this is about Romeo?” Ruby questioned. “You think because he kissed me I am going to fall back in love him and run off to Fiji with him and have lots of wild sex. Is that it?”

April gave a little shrug. “Why don’t you tell me?”

Ruby sniggered as she shook her head. “Thanks for trusting me.” Ruby said before walking away from April, sniffing back as she felt her eyes misting over with tears.

[Danni02]

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

One hundred and eighteen

Brax was sitting at the table in the kitchen when Ruby walked into the room. “Hey. I didn’t expect anyone to be up.”

“Hey Rubes, April.” Brax smiled in the direction of Ruby’s voice.

“No April,” Ruby said walking across to the table and taking a seat. “Just me.” Ruby opened up the box of pizza and took a slice out.

“I thought she was staying here tonight?” Brax sniffed, like he was smelling the pizza.

“Yeah well we had an argument instead,” Ruby replied with a mouth full of pizza. “There’s pizza here if you want some.”

“Where’s it from?” Brax questioned.

“That greasy little take-away in Yabbie Creek.” Ruby answered.

“You mean you didn’t go to the restaurant?” Brax questioned.

“Well it’s not open at this time of night, so no,” Ruby replied. “So, what you doing down here?”

“Let’s just say you are not the only Buckton who had an argument with their partner tonight,” Brax sighed, running his hand across the table. Ruby raised her eyebrows a little. “So what happened with you and April?” Brax questioned. “It’s not like you two to argue.”

Ruby sighed throwing her slice of pizza down into the box, the late night after drinking munchies suddenly gone, maybe because of the topic of conversation. “Romeo was out,” Ruby started. “He kissed me and she saw.”

“Oh,” Brax exhaled. “And you are sure he just kissed you?”

“Yes,” Ruby raised her voice a little. “April is who I want,” Ruby said. “I love her so much but she’s made it pretty clear that she doesn’t trust me.”

“I’m sure she does,” Brax replied. “You’d both been drinking, right?”

“A fair bit.” Ruby nodded her head.

“Well the drink probably isn’t going to help matters,” Brax told her. “It’s never going to be easy seeing your partner be kissed by someone else and add drink to the mix - especially for April who can be an emotion drunk - and your imagination can get the best of you.”

“It doesn’t matter. She should still trust me,” Ruby said. “She makes it sound like I am going to leave her for a guy any chance I get.”

“Well you’ll need to prove to her you are staying put.” Brax said.

“I shouldn’t need to,” Ruby argued. “She should know this already.”

“Sometimes everyone needs a little reminding,” Brax spoke softly. “You are a very pretty girl, Ruby. You could have anyone you want.”

“She’s gorgeous,” Ruby’s voice rose. “She could have anyone too but I trust that she would never look elsewhere. Maybe we just don’t have as good as a relationship as I thought.”

Of course you do,” Brax told her. “You two are great together. Just let April calm down and you’ll sort things out.”

Ruby pursed her lips before exhaling. “And what about you and mum?” Ruby questioned. “What happened?”

“She went to see Bianca.” Brax told her.

“Yeah,” Ruby said. “I uhm....I kinda talked her into that. Don’t be mad at mum.”

Brax sniggered. “She made the choice to go.”

“I know, but...” Ruby stared at Brax for a moment. “If mum asked you to stop talking to Heath, could you do it?” Ruby questioned.

“Not a chance,” Brax shook his head. “He’s my brother. He’s my best friend. He’s family.”

“Yeah,” Ruby exhaled. “Just like Bianca is mum’s best friend. Is family....she’s as good as her sister. She doesn’t want to be friends with Bianca to spite you, Brax. She loves you more than anything but asking mum to shut Bianca out of her life, it’s just like asking you to do the same with Heath.”

“Hmm.” Brax sounded unsure.

“You know, Bianca was mum’s rock when you were with Natalie,” Ruby told him. “She never once told mum to give up on you no matter how many times mum would be upset at seeing you two happy together,” Ruby said. “Maybe without that from her you would still be with Natalie. You wouldn’t have mum back and little Luca bean, well he’d not exist.”

“I couldn’t imagine not having Luca. He’s my little man, he’s....he’s great.” Brax said. He exhaled, thinking about Charlie and Bianca’s friendship over the years and how much Bianca meant to his wife.

“Well I am going to bed,” Ruby stood up from the table, walking over to the fridge to put the box of pizza inside. “Goodnight.” Ruby rubbed Brax’s shoulder as she passed and Brax gave a little smile as he continued to sit there still thinking about Charlie and Bianca.

******

“Morning,” Brax walked into the kitchen. “What’s cooking. It smells nice.”

“The kids had pancakes,” Charlie answered. “There’s still some batter there if you want me to make you some.” Charlie stared at Brax, waiting on a response.

“That would be good thanks,” Brax answered as he walked over to the fridge and found the orange juice and managed to pour himself a glass. Charlie smiled as she put some of the batter into the pan. “So what do you want to do today kids?” Brax looked in the direction of the table.

“They’ve already left,” Charlie told him. “They’re in the pool with Rubes right now.”

“Ah,” Brax nodded. “Rubes tell you about last night?” Brax questioned.

“Yeah,” Charlie answered. “She’s going to go into town to see April later though so hopefully they sort it out.”

“Yeah.” Brax agreed before taking a drink of his juice.

“So listen,” Charlie took her eyes off the pancake that was cooking and looked to Brax. “About seeing Bianca, I am sorry. I should never have betrayed your wishes and I promise that I’ll not talk to her again.”

“Don’t make promises you can’t keep.” Brax replied.

“I will,” Charlie told him. “I’ll try really hard to keep it because I love you so much and I -”

“It’s okay, Charlie,” Brax spoke over her. “I shouldn’t have ever asked you to choose between us,” Brax put his orange juice down on the worktop and reached out finding Charlie’s hand and taking it into his. “It wasn’t fair.”

Charlie bit her lip. “So what are you saying?”

“I can’t stop you being friends with her,” Brax told her. “But just because you are friends with her, it doesn’t mean I am going to be,” Brax exhaled. “I don’t want her in my house but in town, her house....you can see her. Talk to her all you want but I don’t want to know about her or her problems.”

“Right,” Charlie felt a little smile forming on her face. “And you are sure you are okay with this?”

“As long as you respect my wishes not to talk about her in my presence.” Brax said.

“I promise.” Charlie gave a little nod before leaning up and placing a soft kiss on Brax’s lips. Brax smiled into the kiss, letting it deepen a little as he wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her closer to him so their bodies were pressed together.

“I love you Charlie.” Brax whispered as he pulled back.

“I love you too.” Charlie replied.

Brax smiled before he sniffed, smelling burning. “What’s that smell?”

“S**t.” Charlie turned back to the pan, the pancake being over cooked the one side almost charcoal black.

“Did you just burn my pancake?” Brax questioned.

“You distracted me.” Charlie playfully slapped his chest, just a Luca’s whimper could be heard, Charlie having brought the moses basket to the kitchen while the kids were eating breakfast and Luca was chilling out in there.

“I’ll go have some Luca cuddles,” Brax said. “You make me a pancake and don’t burn it this time.” Brax said as he followed the sounds of Luca to find him.

“Sure.” Charlie smiled watching for a moment as Brax picked Luca up into his arms, placing a kiss on the side of his head. The smile on her face grew larger before she tossed the burnt pancake into the bin and put some more batter into the pan to make him another one.

[Danni02]

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

One hundred and nineteen

Ruby had gone round to Bianca’s to talk to April but was told she had gone out for a walk. She knew it probably wouldn’t take long to find her, given the size of the town, so she went for a walk herself and it wasn’t long before she found April sitting on a swing at the park. “Hey,” Ruby spoke quietly as she sat down on the next swing. “We used to love coming here as kids. Remember we would have competitions to see how far we could jump off the swing or how high we would let the swing get before jumping?”

“Yeah.” April answered, keeping her gaze out in front of her.

“Maybe once Noah’s leg is better we can teach the twins some of the mischief we used to get up to.” Ruby gave a little laugh.

“Not sure you parents would appreciate that,” April said. “We’ll probably break Noah’s leg again.” April mumbled.

“Maybe,” Ruby pursed her lips. “But hey, isn’t it a big sisters job to make her younger siblings do silly things?”

April gave a little shrug. “I’m not a big sister.”

Ruby sighed, seeing this approach wasn’t really going anywhere fast. “So are we going to talk about last night?” Ruby decided to just come right out with it.

April gave a little shrug. “No...I guess...I’m sorry,” April looked around to Ruby for the first time since they started speaking. “I just.....I love you so much and I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

“I’m not going anywhere,” Ruby answered. “Romeo was being a creep last night. He’s....he’s like a different person since I left him.”

“You did leave him for me,” April said, a smile forming on her face as she thought about what Ruby gave up for her. “I should trust that I’m who you want.”

“Of course you are,” Ruby replied. “I have never felt more comfortable being with someone than I do with you,” Ruby confessed. “You’re my world, April.”

“And you are mine,” April replied. “I love you so much.”

“I love you too,” Ruby smiled at her girlfriend. “So, we’re all good?” Ruby questioned.

“I’m the one that should be asking you that.” April looked down shyly.

“We’re great,” Ruby stood up from the swing and walked in front of April. She bent down and placed a soft kiss on her lips, April smiling into the kiss as she wrapped her arms around Ruby. “Just no more getting drunk and accusing me of wanting to sleep with guys. Especially Romeo.”

“Uh-uh.” April shook her head before kissing her again.

“You are all I want now and forever, okay?” Ruby said, pulling back.

“Yeah,” April smiled. “I know. Now stop taking.” April said before once again kissing her girlfriend. Ruby smiled into the kiss, letting it deepen as their tongues darted into each other’s mouths.

“Mmm,” Ruby pulled back. “So how about, for old times’ sake we have one of these swing jump competitions?” Ruby questioned, getting back onto her swing.

“You’re on Buckton.” April grinned before she started swinging her legs, making the swing move. Ruby smiled at her girlfriend before she too started to swing her legs to get higher on her swing.

******

Ella and Noah were playing their hungry hippo’s game as Toby was drawing. Charlie was watching as Brax changed Luca’s nappy, the smile on his face as he did it never ceasing to make Charlie herself smile. “Mummy.” Toby ran over to her, a piece of paper in his hand.

“Ah wow,” Charlie looked down to the green squiggly lines that were over the paper. “Awesome picture bud.”

“It no a picture,” Toby shook his head at his mother’s mistake. “It my birtday list.”

“I see,” Charlie gave a little nod. “So what do you want?” Charlie looked to her son who looked a little perplexed as to why Charlie was asking this.

“Read it,” Toby hit the paper. “It’s there.”

“Uh-huh,” Charlie pursed her lips as she pretended to read the green squiggles. “Well mummy can read it but daddy can’t so you will need to tell him what you want.”

“Oh yes,” Toby rubbed the side of his head before sitting down next to Brax, pulling out another baby wipe from the pack and handing it to him. “Daddy is you listens?”

“I’m listening buddy.” Brax took the wipe from him and wiped it over Luca’s bottom.

“I want Spideyman.” Toby announced with a huge grin on his face.

“Wow, the real Spiderman?” Brax questioned and Toby nodded.

“Answer daddy bud.” Charlie said. Toby still wasn’t really used to the fact Brax couldn’t see him nodding his head.

“Yes the real one,” Toby said. “He’s the best.”

“I’m not sure you can get the real one,” Charlie told him. “He’s too busy out fighting the bad guys.”

“He’ll come for me,” Toby answered. “He will.”

Brax grinned as he fastened up the tabs on Luca’s nappy before shutting the poppers on his baby grow. “So what would you want to do with the real Spiderman?” Brax questioned as he lifted Luca up as Charlie put the dirty nappy into the nappy bag.

“Uhm....surf.” Toby answered.

“Surf?” Charlie and Brax looked to the twins who were giggling at Toby’s idea.

“Yeah,” Toby answered. “Spideyman and surfing my best things.” Toby stuck his tongue out at his elder siblings.

“No Toby,” Noah said. “If you want to see Spiderman then you need to fight the bad guy.”

Toby furrowed his eyebrows. “No cos I don’t want them for my birtday,” Toby answered. “Just Spideyman to surf with me, so there,” Toby glared at his brother before looking to Luca, who was in Brax’s arms. “Luca would like him, ay?”

“I’m sure he would.” Brax answered, laughing inside himself, thinking only Toby would ask for something like that for his birthday and wishing he would have asked for something like a bike instead.

******

Bianca and Heath had left the girls with Irene, going out for lunch together to a little diner in Yabbie Creek, trying to work at their marriage. “So uhm.....have you thought anymore about the counselling yet?” Bianca questioned.

Heath exhaled. He didn’t particularly love the idea but could see how much it meant to Bianca and after sleeping with Rose, he felt like he should do what she wanted to work through things. “I’ll try a few sessions,” Heath answered, not sounded to enthused. “But if I say after that it’s not for me, I’m stopping going.”

“Okay,” Bianca was in no position to argue. “I’ll give them a call.”

“Right.” Heath took a drink of his juice before glancing down at the menu.

“So, uhm...” Bianca paused for a moment as Heath stared back up at her. “Have you fired you know who yet?” Bianca didn’t want to say her name. The betrayal hit her harder if her name was mentioned.

“I can’t.” Heath exhaled, shaking his head.

Bianca sniggered. “Because you fancy her?”

“Of course not,” Heath answered. “She’s hot but she’s just.....it was just sex. What I have with you is....well I’d be stupid to throw that away for just sex.”

“So then why can’t you fire her?” Bianca questioned.

“Firstly because I don’t have a reason to fire her,” Heath said. “I let her go and she’ll have us in court for unfair dismissal,” Heath sighed. “And the more important point. I’m not in charge of hiring and firing,” Heath told her. “I get some say but the end decision lies with Charlie.”

“Surely right now it’s you?” Bianca said. “Charlie’s not even working.”

“It doesn’t stop the restaurant being hers,” Heath replied. “It’s called Charlie’s, not Heath’s.”

“Hmm,” Bianca sighed. “Well I don’t want you working together so you’ll need to talk to Charlie about it.”

“Just trust me,” Heath rose his voiced, feeling a little frustrated. “I’m not going to do anything with her. I swear on the kids’ lives. All I want is for us to get back to what we had before all.....this,” Heath tossed his hand out to the side. “You can trust me.”

“It’s her I don’t trust,” Bianca retorted. “Now, I’m going to use the restroom. If the waitress comes I’ll have the chicken caeser wrap,” Bianca told him, standing to her feet. “Get this sorted, Heath.” Bianca mumbled before she walked in the direction of the restrooms, Heath sighing as he held his head in his hands.

[Danni02]

Thank you Sarah, Red Ranger 1 and Spotd1. Check out my new fiction, A Perfect Match. You know you want too.

One hundred and twenty

Ruby turned around in the bed, putting her hand out onto April’s stomach, caressing it lightly. “Julianne Hough, Natalie Portman and Cobie Smulders.” Ruby said and April screwed her face up, feeling confused.

“Uhm....yeah what about them?” April questioned.

“Let’s just say I wouldn’t throw them out of bed.” Ruby answered and April gave a little smile.

“Cobie Smulders,” April said. “Is she that chick who plays Robin in How I Met Your Mother?”

“That’s the one,” Ruby nodded. “And thinking about it, I wouldn’t throw Mila Kunis out of my bed either. I have to say you have an eye for attractive women.”

“Uh-uh,” April shook her head. “Mila is all mine.”

Ruby gave a little laugh. “Oh really? Because I happen to know that your precious Mila doesn’t go for people with Cookie Monster tats.”

“Well one look at me and all that will change.” April grinned cheekily at Ruby.

“You wish,” Ruby mumbled before they both laughed. Ruby looked into April’s deep brown eyes before leaning down and placing a soft kiss on her lips. “So you want to do anything else today?”

“I’m fine with us being right here,” April answered, tucking Ruby’s hair behind her ear. “I really am sorry you know,” April pursed her lips. “For not trusting you didn’t want anything to happen with Romeo. And for how I acted over your list. You’re bisexual so of course you’re still going to be into guys. As long as it’s just looking.”

“Of course,” Ruby answered. “Sweets, I love you more than anything. There’s no one I want but you.”

April smiled. “Good. Because there’s no one I want but you.” April said placing a kiss on Ruby’s lips. Ruby smiled into the kiss, letting it deepen as her hand slowly moved down April’s stomach, April opening her legs out a little as the kiss became a little more passionate.

******

Charlie walked into the restaurant, her hand rubbing over the fabric of the baby carrier where her son slept. “Hey, Charlie, what are you doing here?” Heath questioned.

“Thought I show the little bean where mummy’s works,” Charlie told him. “He’s that interested that he’s fallen asleep,” Charlie said and Heath gave a little laugh as he looked down to his nephew. Charlie looked round to see Rose was setting up for dinner time before looking back to Heath. “What were you thinking, Heath?” Heath looked to Rose who in that moment had looked up herself. She gave him a sultry smile before purposely dropping a fork behind her. She turned around and bent down to pick it up, her derriere up in the air. “Heath.” Charlie watched the scene before looking to her brother-in-law.

“Sorry uhm,” Heath rubbed the back of his head. “I don’t know what I was thinking. I obviously wasn’t.”

“You’re lucky Bianca wants to work through this,” Charlie told him. “Sleeping with someone else, Heath, that’s....” Charlie trailed off as she shook her head.

“I know,” Heath bowed his head down a little. “I feel awful. And Rose over there is flirting every chance she gets and isn’t about to let this stop at a onetime thing.”

Charlie looked back to Rose before looking at Heath once again. “Well as long as you are.”

“Yes of course,” Heath told her. “It was a mistake. All I want is for me and Bianca to get passed all this. I just don’t know how.”

“Well Bianca tells me you are going to go to counselling. Maybe that’s all you need.” Charlie said.

“Yeah,” Heath exhaled. “Thing is though she wants me to fire Rose. She doesn’t trust her and doesn’t want her working with me anymore.”

“You can’t fire Rose.” Charlie told him.

“I know I can’t,” Heath exhaled. “You could though.”

“Heath I,” Charlie looked out to Rose. “I haven’t even worked with her,” Charlie said. “I can’t just out and fire her for no good reason.”

“I know that,” Heath answered. “But surely there’s a way for you.”

Charlie sighed lightly. “Henry tells me she’s great at her job.”

“She is,” Heath answered. “One of the best there is, but if she doesn’t lose her job I am going to lose Bianca.” Heath bowed his head down sadly.

Charlie bit her lip. “I can’t promise anything but I’ll see if I can come up with a solution. We need the staff right now and I don’t have time to be interviewing again.”

“I know,” Heath told her. “But what about the other candidates you interviewed? Can’t you just get back in touch with them and say the position has opened up again?”

“I guess,” Charlie answered. “Anyways, I should get back to Brax and the kids. They are waiting outside. But uhm, I came here because I have a favour to ask of you.”

“Oh yeah?” Heath questioned. “What would that be?” He glanced behind Charlie, looking at Rose who was walking across the room like she was trying to seduce Heath. “Actually before you talk can we go to the office?” Heath questioned. “Get away from...” Heath trailed off as he raised his eyebrows. Charlie gave a little nod before following Heath into the office to ask him for a favour.

******

“You going to come shopping with me tomorrow?” Charlie questioned as she sat down on the couch, handing Brax a bottle of beer.

“What’s this?” Brax questioned.

“Drink it and you’ll find out,” Charlie told him, snuggling closer to him. Brax held the bottle out in front of his face before bringing it to his nose and sniffing. “I’m not going to poison you,” Charlie hit his chest. “It’s beer. It’s safe to drink.”

Brax gave a thankful smile before taking a swig. “So were you supposed to ask me this question after I’d had some beers?” Brax questioned. “You know how I feel about shopping.”

“I know but it’s shopping for Toby’s birthday stuff,” Charlie told him. “You can help me pick out some cool things.” Brax sat silently for a moment before he took another swig of his beer.

“After you’ve given me a thorough description of everything, you mean?” Brax said as he started pulling at the label on the beer bottle. Charlie exhaled, remaining silent. “But yeah,” Brax exhaled. “Of course I want to come shopping for Toby’s birthday.”

“Good,” Charlie smiled. “And if you are a good boy I might even buy you something new.” Charlie rubbed his chest as she spoke.

“This when you buy me some hideous Hawaiian print shirt and tell me its plain blue or something?” Brax questioned and Charlie gave a little laugh.

“Would I do that to you?” Charlie questioned.

“Uhm,” Brax exhaled. “It could be possible.”

“Hey,” Charlie playfully slapped his arm. “I have to be seen with you so I wouldn’t let you wear anything remotely hideous.” Charlie said.

“I know,” Brax laughed before rubbing her arm. “Maybe we can buy something new for Luca too.” Brax suggested.

“Luca has more than enough,” Charlie sighed. “He’s going to grow out of half the clothes before he can even wear them.”

“Well it doesn’t have to be clothes,” Brax said. “I’m sure there’s other baby stuff you can buy.” Brax took another swig of his beer.

“Then we’ll need to get something for the twins,” Charlie sighed. “Tomorrow is shopping for Toby’s birthday only,” Charlie said. “But maybe Rolo can get a new toy.” Charlie said, patting the pup who was laying with his head resting on her feet.

“Oh so you’ll treat the dog but not your kids,” Brax laughed. “That’s lovely mummy.”

“The kids have enough,” Charlie told him. “And you are the cutest little pup, aren’t you?” Charlie cooed. Rolo wagged his tail excitedly before running across the room, picking up his rope toy and running back to Charlie. “You want to play?” Charlie said, trying to pull the toy from his mouth. Brax laughed once again before taking another drink of his beer, looking forward to his sort of date with Charlie the next day. It had been a long time since they’d done something just the two of them. Of course Luca would be there but he was the best baby ever so it would be like he wasn’t even there. With the kids at school and Brax agreeing to leave the house, and more importantly, for the first time since turning blind the bay, he knew it was going to be a good day.