Follow Your Heart

[Danni02]

Thank you for the comments.

One hundred and forty-one

“Hey mummy,” Brax walked into their room, Luca in his arms. Charlie walked out from their en-suite, feeling fresh after her shower. “Luca has a present for you.”

“For me?” Charlie walked over and took her baby son into her arms, smelling the stench that was coming from him. “Are you sure he said it was for me?” Charlie lay Luca down their bed and undid his baby grow poppers.

“Yeah he said this one is for mummy.” Brax answered walking over to the corner of the room and picking up a clean nappy from the box and the box of wipes before walking over to the bed.

“Nappy bag please,” Charlie said and Brax walked back over to where some of Luca’s things were and felt for the box of nappy bags. “Well Luca you aren’t supposed to leave that kind of present for mummy,” Charlie cooed down at her son. “They are for daddy and Ruby, remember?” Charlie took another wipe from the box, continuing to wipe her son.

“Daddy has trouble with those ones,” Brax sighed as he walked back across to the bed, sitting down on the edge, the nappy bag still in his hand. “At least you can see when to stop wiping.”

“Aww babe you do fine,” Charlie ran her hand over his hair before taking another wipe to finish wiping Luca clean. “You actually want to grab me a sleep suit for this guy?” Charlie questioned. “I’ll get him dressed for bed, feed him then put him down. Maybe even me and you could have an early night?” Charlie spoke with suggestion in her tone. She saw a little smile forming on Brax’s face as he walked back over to her.

“Won’t say no to that.” Brax grinned as he wrapped his arms around her from behind and place a soft kiss on her neck, as his hands ran up her stomach and caressed her breasts.

“Let’s keep it PG in front of the little one.” Charlie took his hands from her and took the sleep suit from his hand.

“Charlie,” Brax gave a little laugh. “We have sex when he is asleep in this room.”

“Yeah exactly, when he is asleep,” Charlie stuck the tabs of the clean nappy down before taking the baby grow over his head and putting on his sleeping one. “He is awake right now and is staring right at us.”

“I’m not sure a two month old will be aware of what we are doing,” Brax replied. “Actually maybe it’s time we put him in his cot in his own room.” Brax suggested and Charlie gasped as she lifted her son into her arms.

“No he’s still so little,” Charlie argued. “And the twins were in our room till they were 4 months and Toby was almost 7 months before we moved him,” Charlie’s voice came out raised and a little squeaky. “Let him stay a little longer.” Charlie pouted, Brax hearing it in her voice, Charlie clearly not ready to make the step of putting Luca into his nursery.

“I just think he has a perfectly nice room there going to waste.” Brax replied.

“It’s not going to waste,” Charlie sighed. “He’ll use it one day, just not yet, please just a few more weeks.” Charlie rubbed one hand over Brax’s cheek as her other kept a tight hold of Luca.

“Okay,” Brax exhaled. “I’m going to have a quick shower while you feed Luca then we’ll have that early night, yeah?” Brax questioned and Charlie nodded before placing a kiss on his lips.

“Yeah.” Charlie answered so Brax could hear, of course him not being aware of her nod. Brax gave her a smile before walking through to their bathroom as Charlie settled herself on the chair so she could feed her son.

******

Ruby and April walked into Ruby’s room, home from their night out with Dexter and Adrian. “Are you ever planning on going back to your place?” Ruby questioned, her dress already being lifted from her body.

“Don’t you like me staying?” April questioned.

“Of course I do sweets,” Ruby threw her dress down to the floor before helping April get the zip down on the back of her dress. “Just....we don’t live together here so you need to go home at one point, right?”

April shrugged as she took her dress off. “I don’t know, Tegan was in that room and she....well she died.”

“It’s not as if she died in that room though,” Ruby said, putting her sleep shorts on before taking her bra off. “She wanted to go to the beach for that.”

“I know but it’s still weird. She was staying in my room and now she is dead.” April took her bra off before putting her night dress on. Ruby pulled her singlet over her body before walking closer to April, wrapping her arms around her from behind, giving her a hug.

“Well what if we made it so you didn’t need to go home?” Ruby questioned, placing a soft kiss on her neck. April turned to face her, looking a little confused.

“A second ago you were asking when I was going home and now you are saying I shouldn’t ever?” April scrunched her face up a little.

“I....” Ruby exhaled. “Well we are together like all the time anyways whether that’s here or your place so maybe....” Ruby gave a little shrug. “And we’ve saved like crazy this last year, so....let’s move in together.”

A smile crept on April’s face. “I know we’ve been talking about it recently but do you think we are ready for that?”

“Yeah,” Ruby answered. “And we’ve known each other for like 20 years so we know everything there is to know anyways,” Ruby said. “What do you think?”

“I couldn’t think of anything I’d rather do,” April gave a little smile and Ruby returned one before they shared a kiss. “And it can mean Darcy doesn’t need to share with Katie,” April added. “And I’m nearly 23. I can’t live with my sister and her family forever,” April exhaled. “It might actually do them good if I were to move out,” April said. “It would give them more space and....they could work at being a family again.”

“Things still not great with Bianca and Heath then?” Ruby wondered.

April shook her head a little. “Nope but they’ll pull through right?”

Ruby gave a little shrug, not knowing the answer. Of course she hoped they did but she didn’t know for certain what was going to happen. “I’m sure they’ll try their hardest.”

April smiled weakly. “Well anyways,” April exhaled. “When we going to start looking for a place together?”

“Uhm...I dunno,” Ruby answered. “Actually, maybe it’ll be better to wait till after my divorce is finalised? Not sure shacking up with my new partner while I am still married is such a good idea.” Ruby looked unsure at the thought. “But you can stay here. Mum won’t mind at all.”

April furrowed her eyebrows, not sure what the difference would be, after all they were still going to be living together. “You seemed up for it a minute ago. You were the one who suggested it.”

“I know and I really do want us to move in together,” Ruby answered. “I just want to get my divorce out of the way first then all my focus can be on us and finding that perfect place. I don’t want it to be clouded by divorce stuff.”

April exhaled before giving a little nod. “Okay. After your divorce we’ll start looking,” April smiled. “But I’ll move in here over the next few days, right?”

“Oh yeah.” Ruby grinned before biting her lip. She looked her girlfriend up and down before placing another kiss on her lips.

[Danni02]

Thank you CharlieAndBraxLover, Sarah and Spotd1 for the comments.

One hundred and forty-two

Ruby stretched her arm out expecting to find her girlfriend in the bed with her. “I’m over here.” April spoke from across the room, sitting on the window seat, hugging one of the many cushions that usually sat there for decoration.

Ruby yawned as she got out of bed and walked over, taking a seat next to her girlfriend. She put her hand onto April’s thigh and rubbed it gently. “You okay?” Ruby could see something was bothering April.

“I can’t sleep,” April exhaled. “I closed my eyes and...” April sucked in her bottom lip. “I saw.....you know...him.” April bowed her head down not wanting to be reminded of that, but in only a few weeks, the first anniversary of her attack would be here.

“Well you should have told me sooner,” Ruby continued to rub April’s thigh. “Maybe there’s something I could have done to help take your mind off it.”

“Oh yeah right enough,” April replied. “Someone remembering their rape is clearly going to want to have sex to forget about it.” April spat coldly.

“Sorry,” Ruby bowed her head. “Do you want to talk about anything maybe?” Ruby asked, thinking maybe talking about it would help in the long run.

April shook her head. “Not with you. You are who I am intimate with and I don’t want anything to....well anything to stop you wanting to do that with me.” April spoke quietly, not making eye contact with Ruby.

“That’s never going to happen, sweets,” Ruby moved a little closer to April, rubbing her thigh again as the moonlight shone through the open blind. “And we’ve talked about it before. After it first happened.”

“I know but,” April gave a little shrug. “I think, I....” April pursed her lips. “It’s just stupid dreams. I...” April ran her hand over her stomach. Ruby exhaled as her hand moved up and rubbed April’s arm.

“You’ll be a mother one day.” Ruby told her.

“I know,” April pursed her lips. “It’s just that I’ve never regretted anything more. Every day I think about my baby,” April sniffed back. “Would she have had big dark eyes like mine or would he have a head of dark hair like me?” April questioned. “We could have done it, Rubes. We really could have.”

“I know.” Ruby spoke quietly.

“I wish you would have talked me into keeping her.” April said, her eyes misting over with tears.

“It’s not my fault,” Ruby said. “It wasn’t my decision to make.”

“We are a couple,” April told her. “You had a say.”

“Look April,” Ruby sighed. “We are still so young. We are still in uni. Let’s finish uni first, let’s move in together, lets hopefully get married,” Ruby gave a little smile. “When the time is right we will have children.”

“Yeah,” April exhaled sadly. “I uhm...I’m going to go to the bathroom.” April stood up and left the room, leaving Ruby sitting on the window seat. She exhaled, hoping she’d be able to get April through the next few weeks.

******

“Ella.” Charlie shouted out for her daughter. Ella came running into the kitchen, followed by Rolo and then Noah and Toby came running in after her.

“She just said me,” Ella glared at her brothers. “What is it mummy?”

“Open this.” Charlie handed her daughter the envelope and Ella looked down at it, reading it out loud.

“It says Mrs C Braxton,” Ella scrunched her face up. “It’s for you.”

“I know. I’ve already looked to see what it is. Just have a look.” Charlie said and Ella reached into the envelope, pulling out what was inside.

Toby and Noah covered their ears and Rolo started to bark like crazy as Ella gave a high pitched scream. “One Direction. You got me One Direction tickets.” Ella jumped up and down, Rolo starting to chase his tail in all the excitement.

“I guess you gave her the tickets then.” Brax laughed as he walked into the kitchen, Luca in his arms.

“One Direction daddy.” Ella shrieked.

“Yeah will been cool, huh petal?” Brax smiled at hearing his daughters excitement.

“I get One Direction with mummy and you don’t.” Ella sang teasingly to her brothers.

“Well they are rubbish anyways,” Noah stuck his tongue out. “So there.”

“Well I get a special day.” Ella stuck her tongue out at her brothers.

“I want a special day,” Toby demanded, stomping his foot. “I want a special day.” Toby said again.

“You’ll get one,” Charlie told him. “Anything you want to do, buddy.”

“Uhm,” Toby scratched the side of his head. “Get spidey webs and swing from the tall buildings.” Toby said and Noah laughed at his brother.

“Well, not that,” Charlie exhaled. “But daddy can take you to the beach or the park or the movies,” Charlie said. “Hmm, how about that?”

“No,” Noah shook his head. “The aquarium and the zoo. I’ll see all the animals.”

“Yeah.” Toby jump up in the air, liking his brother’s choice.

“Well we is going to Melbourne,” Ella was still looking at the tickets. “We get to stay in a hotel overnight cos it’s so far.”

“That’s not fair,” Noah sighed. “I want to stay in a hotel.”

“Me too,” Toby stomped his foot again. “I stay in the Melburns too with mummy and Ella and Noah and daddy and baby Luca.”

“Luca Thomas,” Noah sighed. “But we will all go to Melbourne,” Noah pointed his finger at Charlie. “That’s final, okay?” Noah said and Charlie glanced at Brax, biting her lip as he looked like he was trying his hardest not to laugh at his son’s insistence that they all went to Melbourne.

******

Bianca took the bottle from Freya and put it down on the table. She rubbed her back in a light circular motion and smiled as Freya let out a little burp. She looked up as Heath came out of their bedroom. “I was just coming to feed her.”

“Well it’s done now.” Bianca replied.

“I always give her her morning bottle.” Heath sighed.

“Well you were still asleep. You looked like you needed it so I left you to sleep. It’s no big deal. I’m sure she’ll need another bottle in a few hours.” Bianca retorted, Freya starting to babble in her arms.

“I’ll be at work then.” Heath spat.

“What?” Bianca questioned. “But you don’t work lunch shift today. You do night’s and you got some time off for Darcy anyways.”

“Well I need to work now,” Heath replied. “Henry is sick, so I have to go in.”

Bianca sighed lightly. “She needs you, Heath.”

“Well if you didn’t make my brother blind he’d be able to do the shift.” Heath retorted and Bianca clicked her tongue, counting to ten inside herself.

“Well what about Charlie?” Bianca suggested.

“She is busy being a mother,” Heath said, taking Freya from Bianca, Freya settling in her father’s arms, giving a big smile as she waved her arms excitedly. “She has a new baby too you know.”

“Yes I am aware of Luca’s existence,” Bianca replied. “But Darcy needs you right now.”

“Just like Luca needs his mother,” Heath said. “Anyways you got the forms for Darcy yet? School starts next week you know.”

“I’m aware of that,” Bianca replied. She was still on maternity leave, but of course knew when school started. “And no I haven’t got the forms yet.”

“Well bloody do it.” Heath sighed.

Bianca once again counted to ten. She forced a smile onto her face as Katie’s bedroom door opened and Katie came running out, Lola running fast behind her. “Morning pumpkin.”

“Good morning,” Katie replied as she climbed up onto the chair at the table. “It’s Darcy’s birthday. She get her cat.” Katie clapped her hands together, excited for another cat to be coming into the house. Heath screwed his face up, far from excited about a second kitten being in the house.

“Is the birthday girl coming for breakfast?” Heath raised his voice as he looked in the direction of Katie’s room. He waited for a while but got no reply. He walked closer to the door and was about to walk in when Darcy appeared in the doorway.

“No.” Was Darcy’s reply.

“C’mon sweetie you have to eat.” Heath said.

“Mummy makes good soilders and eggs. She make ‘em good runny.” Katie turned to face the doorway.

Darcy shrugged her shoulders. “I don’t want egg and soldiers. I’m not a baby.”

“You don’t have to eat that,” Bianca told her. “You can have whatever you want.”

“I want to be in New Zealand,” Darcy answered. “But thanks to Daisy’s stupid parents that’s not happening, is it?” Darcy sighed.

“It’s not our fault,” Heath told her. “Besides, you are my daughter and you belong here with me,” Heath said. “Now, c’mon, you need to have a nice birthday breakfast then Bianca will take you into town and you can get your present.”

Darcy looked out for a moment to Bianca and Katie before looking back to her father. “No.” Darcy said before slamming the bedroom door shut, Heath, Bianca and Katie all staring at the closed door.

[Danni02]

Thanks Red Ranger 1 and Sarah.

One hundred and forty-three

Darcy scuffed her feet across the side walk, her arms folded over her chest as she looked downwards. Katie was skipping beside her talking about how she was starting Prep next week. “Shut up Katie.” Darcy sighed, picking up her pace a little.

“Darcy,” Bianca called out from behind her. “Don’t say that to Katie.”

“Don’t tell me what to do,” Darcy shot back. “You are not my mother and you never will be.” Bianca took a deep breath, reminding herself Darcy was bound to be angry and upset at her mother’s recent passing.

“Darcy if you don’t talk nice you won’t get your kitty.” Katie told her, standing close to Bianca.

“Yes I will because my mum has just died so I’ll get whatever I want.” Darcy said, a smug smile forming on her face. Bianca raised her eyebrows as she looked down at Darcy.

“Is that what you think, is it?” Bianca questioned.

“Well you’d be a mean old bitch if you didn’t.” Darcy said and Bianca widened her eyes as Katie gasped.

“Don’t say that word to my mummy.” Katie gasped, walking forward and pushing on Darcy. Bianca pulled Katie back, not wanting the girls to start pushing on each other.

“She’s not even your real mum.” Darcy retorted.

“Darcy.” Bianca raised her voice, not quiet believing what Darcy had just said.

“She is to my mummy,” Katie gasped. “Ay mummy?” Katie looked up to Bianca, Bianca seeing worry in her big brown eyes.

“Of course I am sweetie,” Bianca ran her hand through Katie’s ponytail. “Darcy is just being silly.”

“No I’m not,” Darcy said. “She’s not your mum and she’s not my mum so we don’t need to listen to her.” Darcy started running off down the sidewalk.

“Darcy,” Bianca shouted out after her. “Darcy you wait there,” Bianca felt herself panic as Darcy ran right out onto the crossing, not even looking for cars passing. She picked up her pace, running with the pram being pushed in front of her, Katie trying her best to keep up with her. “Darcy Callaghan.”

“Darcy.” Katie screeched as Bianca grabbed her hand and walked quickly across the road. She caught up with Darcy, grabbing her by the wrist, Darcy spinning round and staring at her, her eyes misting over.

“Let me go,” Darcy pulled her hand back. “You are not my mum. You are not who I want.” Darcy said before she ran off in the direction of the park, Bianca taking her phone from her bag and trying to call Heath.

******

Rose looked down as she heard the ringing from the mobile that was sitting on the desk. She saw the name Bianca flashing across the screen and gave out a little laugh. “Sorry Heath can’t make it to the phone right now.” Rose mumbled. She was about to cancel the call but it cut off from ringing. She looked up as the door opened and Heath walked into the office.

“What are you doing in here?” Heath questioned.

“I was looking for the cashbox to put the money in the till,” Rose answered. “Thought it would be a help to you.” Rose flashed him a smile as she batted her eyelashes at him.

“Well you know you’re not supposed to be in here so...” Heath gestured to the door. “Out.” Heath said. Rose walked out of the office, deliberately brushing her body passed Heath’s as she left. Heath exhaled lightly, hating he needed to work with Rose. Henry of course couldn’t help being sick, but Rose was still a problem in his marriage and he could do without working with her and her flirting. He walked over to the safe, telling himself he only needed to get through 5 hours of working with her before he could go home to his wife and kids. No matter how hard things were for them right now they were and always would be his family. He turned the dial to put in the code before it open and he took out the cashbox, locking up the safe again before walking through to the restaurant, going behind the bar and opening up the till.

“How’s your girl?” Rose leaned herself over the bar, her cleavage spilling out a little.

“Are you genuinely asking?” Heath questioned. Rose sucked in her bottom lip before starting to shake her head before changing it to a nod.

“Wouldn’t want any harm to come to a kid.” Rose answered.

“She’s...” Heath exhaled as he closed the till. “She’s alive and well but she’s just lost her mother. That’s going to be hard for anyone, right?”

“Probably be harder for her now she’s stuck with crazy baby killer as a stepmum.” Rose gave a little laugh but Heath just glared at her, unimpressed.

“Are we ever going to be able to have a proper conversation?” Heath questioned.

“Baby we can have as many proper conversations as you like,” Rose smiled at him as she walked around to his side of the bar. “How about we have a nice conversation tonight?” Rose wondered. “You come round to my place, a bottle of wine, takeout, chats then....” Rose looked him up and down, licking her lips.

“Let me tell you this again,” Heath said. “Because I think you are having trouble understanding me. We are never never going to be a couple. I love my wife very much and we are staying together. There is nothing, nothing,” Heath shook his head. “That you could possibly do or say to make me want you. You were a stupid mistake that I regret so much.” Heath said before walking through to the kitchen, if only to get away from Rose for a while. Rose stared at the door as it was still swinging back and forth as her hand went onto her stomach. She gave a little smirk before picking up the tray of cutlery to complete setting up the restaurant for lunch time service.

******

Brax rubbed the fabric of the baby carrier, loving the feeling of his son breathing against his chest. “Why didn’t you bring the pram mummy?” Ella sighed. “I wanted to push Luca.”

“Luca Thomas is comfy on daddy.” Noah told his sister.

“Uhm yeah daddy is enjoying holding him in the carrier,” Charlie answered. “And the pram can just get in way when we are shopping. Some shops are small and tight and it’s not easy to move a pram around in them.” Ella screwed her face up, looking up at Luca.

“It would be fine.” Ella sighed.

“I’m sure you’ll have plenty opportunities to push the pram,” Charlie ran her hand through her ponytail. “Anyways you need to get new school shoes, so why don’t you have a look at them.” Charlie said and Ella nodded before running over to the girls section of the shoe shop. They were due back at school next week, Charlie and Brax both glad the summer holidays were coming to an end. They were shopping for new things the school year today, new shoes – a pair for school and a pair for their school sports - being first on the list but they also needed new uniforms, bags, pencils and pencil cases, a lunch box and some workbooks.

“Does I get school shoes this time?” Toby questioned. “I start Kindy for the evers time.”

“You mean full time.” Noah laughed at his brother. Toby now four and ready to be a full time student at his school.

“You do buddy,” Charlie ruffled his curly locks. “Noah, go show him what kind of shoes he needs for class.” Charlie said and Noah and Toby ran off to the boys’ shoes section.

“This is expensive,” Brax sighed. “Two sets of shoes each. That’s six pairs, Charlie,” Brax’s voice came out high and squeaky. “And you know Toby is probably going to go through about 4 pairs a year with all the crazy things he’ll get up to in the playground.”

Charlie gave a little laugh. “Yeah it’s going to cost us a bit today,” Charlie exhaled. “But they need these things for school. And just wait four more years and we’ll need even more of everything,” Charlie rubbed Luca’s back through the baby carrier. “But he’ll be the last for sure.”

“Well you are pretty fertile. I don’t know.” Brax laughed.

“Uhm, it’s not all my fault. You’re pretty good at the whole getting a woman pregnant thing.” Charlie laughed.

“Not my fault I have good swimmers.” Brax grinned.

“Well your swimmers can’t get to me anymore,” Charlie sounded relieved at the thought that no more babies was a sure thing for them. “No more baby Braxtons for us.”

“Shame really,” Brax exhaled. “We make such great ones.” Brax rubbed Luca’s back and smiled as he heard Noah laughing hysterically. Charlie looked round to see Toby walking on all fours, his hands in a pair of shoes.

“Ah Toby,” Charlie shook her head at her son. “Toby Michael.” Charlie marched over to her son, Brax laughing, knowing by the use of Toby Michael that his son was doing something mischievous.

[Danni02]

Thanks Red Ranger 1 and Sarah.

One hundred and forty-four

Ruby strummed on her guitar, trying to write a new song. She looked up as she saw April walking into her room. “Nice walk?” Ruby questioned, April having just had Rolo out for a walk. Ruby of course wanting to go with her but April told her she wanted some alone time. April nodded as she sat down on the end of Ruby’s bed. “Clear your head a bit?” Ruby wondered.

“Ugh.” April sighed.

Ruby pursed her lips as she stared at her girlfriend for a moment. “You hungry?” Ruby exhaled, April clearly not going to talk. April scrunched her nose as she shook her head. “Well I am going to go make myself some lunch,” Ruby put her guitar down before she got off her bed and left the room, walking down the stairs to the kitchen, Rolo running through behind her. Ruby took the bread from the bread bin before taking some ham from the fridge. She got the lettuce and tomato before she grabbed a knife and chopping board and started chopping the tomato into slices, Rolo lying by her, his head resting on her feet. Ruby looked down to him before looking back at her chopping, not wanting to cut herself. She heard footsteps and gave a little smile, turning around to see April walking into the kitchen. “Change your mind? I’m making a ham, lettuce and -”

“No,” April shook her head. “Just came to say I am going home.”

“Ah you going to start bringing your stuff over?” Ruby questioned, Ruby having asked and of course gotten the okay from Charlie that morning.

“No I uhm,” Ruby noticed April was pinching at her wrist. “I’m just going to stay at home for a bit longer,” April rubbed the back of her head. “Like you say it’s probably better we wait till you are divorced anyways, so....” April pursed her lips.

“April.” Ruby put the knife down and walked over to her girlfriend. She reached her hand out to touch her arm, if only to stop her pinching herself, Ruby already seeing a red mark at how hard April was doing it to herself.

“Don’t,” April took a step back. “I’ll see you later.” April said before walking out of the kitchen, Ruby sighed frustratingly as slapped her forehead, hearing the front door closing.

******

Heath walked into the house, Katie running up to him and jumping up in his arms. “Hey daddy I miss you.” Katie held onto him tightly as she repeatedly kissed his cheek.

“Missed you to kiddo,” Heath said as he put her down on the floor. “You have a good day with mummy?”

Katie nodded before running off to play with Lola again. Heath looked to Bianca who was sitting on the couch, half way through giving Freya a bottle. “Do you want to take over?” Bianca questioned. Heath gave a little nod, walking over to the couch and sitting down next to his wife, taking Freya and the bottle into his arms.

“Where’s Darcy?” Heath questioned.

“She’s in the bedroom,” Bianca told him. “I tried to call you. You didn’t answer.”

“No,” Heath answered. “Well I was at work, Bianca.”

“Yeah.” Bianca sighed, still not happy that he chose to work over staying with his daughter.

“How was she today?” Heath questioned. “Did she get her cat?”

“Well she called me a mean old bitch, told Katie I wasn’t her real mother and ran off. Took me over an hour to find her,” Bianca pursed her lips as she looked up to Heath. “So no, she didn’t get her cat.”

“But it’s her birthday,” Heath exhaled. “She can’t get nothing for her birthday.”

“That’s what you are going to make a big deal out of?” Bianca questioned. “Never mind how she spoke to me or that she ran off. That she told Katie I wasn’t her real mother.”

“Well that’s wrong. She’ll be told not to do that with you,” Heath replied. “What did....was Katie upset?”

“I just told her I was her mother and she seemed to accept it but that’s not the point,” Bianca’s voice rose a little and became squeaky. “She should know not to say things like that.”

“She’s upset,” Heath took the empty bottle from Freya and winded her as he stood up. He placed her on her play mat before turning back around to face Bianca. “And she was promised a cat for her birthday and by God she is going to get one.” Heath walked over to Katie’s bedroom and knocked on the door. He waited a moment before it opened and a tear stained Darcy was staring up at him.

“Dad,” Darcy grinned as she hugged him. “I am so glad you are home. Can you take me to get my present now?”

“Of course,” Heath answered. “Get some shoes on,” Heath ruffled her hair and Darcy went back into the room to get her flip flops. Heath turned around, feeling Bianca’s glare on him. “We’ll talk when we are out.” Heath said before Darcy came out of the room and left the house with her father.

******

Brax rubbed the back of his head as he stood behind Charlie. “You’re on the laptop. What you doing on the laptop?”

“Looking for hotels in Melbourne.” Charlie told him.

“For you and petal?” Brax questioned, reaching his hands out and feeling for the chair next to Charlie’s.

“For all of us, actually,” Charlie told him as he sat down. “Noah is right, we should all go. It can be a nice little weekend for all of us.”

“A weekend in Melbourne, huh?” Brax questioned. “You sure we can afford that with all the money we spent today?”

“Uh-huh,” Charlie nodded. “But ehm....I think I’ll go back to work next week when the kids are back in school.”

“What?” Brax raised his voice, surprised Charlie wanted to go back to work so soon after having Luca. “Luca is only 8 weeks old. Don’t you think it’s at bit early?”

“Well yeah but....” Charlie pursed her lips. “One of us needs to work, Brax. We can’t just keep taking money from the restaurant.”

“But it’s our money.” Brax exhaled.

“I know but I....I also don’t want to leave it to long in the hands of Heath. We want a restaurant to go back to, right?” Charlie questioned.

“But you made him assisting manager,” Brax rubbed the back of his head, a little confused. “Surely it means you trust him.”

“I do but.....” Charlie bit her lip. “I think one of us needs to be working.” Charlie clicked her tongue. Of course she didn’t want to be going back to work so soon but they needed to keep making money.

Brax sighed, running his hands over his face. “I’m sorry that I can’t anymore. I wish I was still at that restaurant. I loved it there, I really did. People complain about their work all the time but me, I....I really loved it.”

“I know,” Charlie rubbed his shoulder. “But hey, you can stay here with Luca. You love being a father, right?”

“Of course,” Brax answered. “But you aren’t expecting me to watch him on my own, are you? Maybe for the littlest bit when he is sleeping and you have the dog a walk its fine, but a whole restaurant shift?” Brax questioned, Charlie hearing the nerves in his voice.

“Well you are their father.” Charlie answered.

“But Charlie, I’m blind.” Brax said and Charlie gasped.

“Oh my God Brax why didn’t you tell me?” Charlie slapped her hand against his upper arm, mocking shock. “How long has it been?”

“Ha-ha,” Brax sighed. “You can’t expect me to watch the kids on my own.”

“Why not?” Charlie questioned. “Blind couples have kids, Brax. Do you think they have help 24/7?” Charlie asked and Brax gave a little shrug. “You are more than capable of looking after your kids,” Brax groaned unsure. “I really wish you would have more trust in yourself. I would trust you with anything, Brax, and you know my trust is hard to get.”

Brax gave a little nod. “But....” Brax exhaled. “What about if we went to Melbourne? I’d have the boys while you were at the concert. It’s Melbourne. I don’t know that city, Charlie.”

Charlie sighed lightly. “The concert is at night anyways. Stay in the hotel room with them. Let them get in room dining and watch a movie with them or let them jump on the bed and have a pillow fight,” Charlie said. “Play superheros and they can make capes with the sheets....just let them have fun.”

“Yeah,” Brax gave a little smile. “Let’s go to Melbourne. A nice family trip. Luca beans first little holiday.” Brax’s smile grew larger.

“Yeah.” Charlie rubbed his thigh.

“But baby please,” Brax pleaded with her. “Don’t go back to work yet. Luca is still so young. You don’t really want to go back yet, do you?”

Charlie pursed her lips. “Well I’ll think some more about it.” Charlie said, before looking back to the laptop screen, looking for a place to stay for when they did go to Melbourne.

[Danni02]

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

one hundred and forty-five

Ruby sighed as she threw yet another dress to the side. “What are you doing?” Charlie stepped over the pile of clothes that blocked the doorway to Ruby’s bedroom.

“Trying to find something to wear,” Ruby told her mother. “I’ve got the attorneys today,” Ruby folded her arms as she leaned against her wardrobe. “But I have nothing to wear. What am I supposed to wear to this kind of thing?”

Charlie gave a little laugh. “Okay it’s a divorce attorney Rubes, not a first date,” Charlie walked further into the room. “What you are wearing is fine.” Ruby looked down to her white and blue maxi dress.

“I don’t want them to think I am struggling without Romeo,” Ruby sighed. “You know I want them to.....I....” Ruby ran her hand over her face, screaming out in frustration.

“This isn’t about the divorce, is it?” Charlie questioned, sitting down on the end of Ruby’s bed and patting the duvet next to her. Ruby shook her head as she sat down next to her mother. “I haven’t seen April for a couple of days. I thought she was going to move in.”

“Yeah I....” Ruby clicked her tongue. “She left a couple of days ago and....” Ruby shook her head. “I haven’t seen her since. I...” Ruby bowed her head down and Charlie wrapped her arm around her daughter. “I’ve texted her but she always says she is hanging with Bianca and the girls.”

“Well you know what Wednesday is for her, right?” Charlie questioned.

“Of course I do,” Ruby exhaled. “I....I know she’s been reliving it in her dreams lately and that she could have had a newborn baby right now but....” Ruby cut herself off. “She blames me, mum. She blames me for the abortion and it’s not fair. It was not my fault. She made that choice.” Charlie could hear her daughter tearing up.

“Sweetheart,” Charlie rubbed her daughters arm. “It’s only because she loves you so much and she needs to take this out on someone.”

“Well it’s not fair on me,” Ruby sniffed back. “I told her I would have loved that child. That we could raise it together. I....” Ruby bowed her head. “I really would have.”

“I know,” Charlie wrapped her other arm around her daughter, pulling her in to a hug. “Maybe just...just let her have this space she’s clearly wanting and in a couple more days go round and talk to her.”

Ruby gave a little shrug. “Ball’s in her court,” Ruby sighed as she stood up. “I’ve done nothing wrong and I’m not apologizing for anything,” Ruby picked her bag up from the floor and threw her mobile into it. “She can come and talk to me,” Ruby exhaled. “I have to get to court so, I’ll see you later.” Ruby picked up the documents from her dresser before leaving the room feeling really nervous for seeing Romeo in only a little while.

******

Katie walked through from her bedroom, Lola being held in her arms. “Darcy won’t play with me,” Katie pouted sadly as she stood in between April and Bianca who were in the living room. She put Lola down and she ran over to April, purring as she rubbed herself against her leg. “She sent me and Lola out but it’s my bedroom,” Katie sighed as April and Bianca turned to face her. “Lola was playing with Flynn.” Katie sighed as she sat on the couch next to Bianca. Bianca rubbed her daughters back softly.

“Darcy’s just....” Bianca pursed her lips, not really wanting to find an excuse for Darcy’s behaviour. Of course she was dealing with the death of her mother, but this was her home now and they were her family and she couldn’t treat them badly.

“She just being a grumpy teenager today,” April said. “How about we do something instead?”

Katie gave a grin as she looked up to her Auntie. “Can we bake?”

“Of course we can,” April stood up from the arm chair, holding her hand out. “Let’s get to work.” Bianca watched as April and Katie walked over to the kitchen, Lola following behind them. She gave a little smile before standing up and taking a deep breath, walking over to Katie’s room and knocking on the door, before walking in. She found Darcy sitting in the middle of the floor, her kitten sitting against her leg as she was looking down at her camera.

“The girls are baking if you want to join them?” Bianca questioned, sitting down cross legged, facing Darcy.

“No thanks. I’m not a baby.” Darcy replied.

“I wasn’t aware babies could bake,” Bianca retorted and she smiled as she saw the littlest of grins forming on Darcy’s face. “Plenty adults like to bake.”

“Mum used to bake banana bread a lot,” Darcy exhaled, looking down to the picture on the camera. “I miss her so much.”

“I know you will,” Bianca leaned forward and rubbed Darcy’s arm. “And now you need to live here with your wicked stepmother huh?”

“You’re not....” Darcy bowed her head. “I’m sorry I’ve been difficult the last few days.”

“It’s alright,” Bianca pursed her lips. “But how about now, we start afresh?” Bianca suggested. “You don’t have to think of me as a mum,” Bianca told her. “I know I’ll never be as great as Tegan was but,” Bianca sucked in her bottom lip. “Well you’re a great kid Darce and I’d be honoured to be in your life.”

“You are a great mum and I really am sorry for what I said to Katie the other day.” Darcy spoke quietly, not making eye contact with Bianca.

“She forgotten all about it,” Bianca said before glancing down at the camera, seeing Darcy was looking at photo’s from the holiday she had with her mother before returning to Australia. “You want to get those photo developed?” Darcy gave a little nod. “We can do that then,” Bianca told her. “We can buy a nice album for them and you can put them into it and you’ll always have it to look at.” Darcy smiled as a tear rolled out of her eye. “Come here darling.” Bianca spoke softly as she opened her arms out and Darcy fell into them, holding tightly onto Bianca as she cried for her mother.

******

Heath and Brax were sitting at the beach, Heath bringing some surf boards with him, both of them in the sand behind them. “And the way she talks to Bianca,” Heath shook his head, angry at his daughter. “I think I got through to her the other day but...” Heath sighed.

“She’s just lost her mother. Give her some space. She’ll settle down soon.” Brax said, hearing the sounds of the waves crashing against the rocks and longing to be out in the water again.

“Yeah you are probably right,” Heath sighed. “She’s not looking forward to starting school on Monday though,” Heath told his brother. “God I hope she makes friends.”

“She will,” Brax told her. “Darcy’s a very charming girl. It might take her a month or two to settle back here and admit she likes it, but, bro she’ll be fine,” Brax patted Heath’s shoulder. “She’s still into surfing, right?”

Heath shrugged. “I don’t know.”

“Well ask her,” Brax retorted. “It would be a nice father daughter bonding activity you could do together. I can only dream now about being out there with my kids,” Brax sighed sadly. “You still have that opportunity Heath, take it.”

Heath gave a little nod. “Yeah I’ll ask if she wants to come out some time. But you know, she’s...she’s a teenager now so I want to give her space. She’s not that cute little 8 year old anymore.”

Brax gave a little laugh. “Well my only experience with a teenage girl comes from my stepdaughter but I remember we had some good times out in the surf. If she likes surfing I’m sure she’ll want to learn to improve from you. The second best Braxton surfer.” Brax laughed.

“Yeah right,” Heath nudged his brother. “I’d kick your ass out there.”

“Only because I’m blind now,” Brax told him. “If I could still see you’d have no chance. In fact, I’d probably still kick your ass at riding a wave eh.” Brax laughed once again.

“Wanna bet bro?” Heath questioned. “Got the boards here. Let’s go.”

“I wish.” Brax sighed and Heath could hear the sadness in him.

“Bro, let’s do it,” Heath stood up and pulled on Brax, wanting him to get up too. “I’m right here with you man.” Brax shook his head, knowing surfing while blind was just a step too far in trying to stay as normal as he could.

“You chicken?” Heath made a chicken noise.

“I just can’t see what I am doing.” Brax told him.

“I’ll be your eyes. Trust me, bro.” Heath held his hand out, nudging Brax’s arm to let him know it was there. Brax pursed his lips like he was considering it for a moment before putting his hand in Heath's and Heath pulled him up to standing. Heath grinned as he grabbed the boards before running down to the sea with Brax so they could surf.

[Danni02]

Thanks for the comments.

One hundred and forty-six

Romeo and Ruby were sitting in the room, waiting on the attorney to come in. “How’s Sophie?” Ruby questioned, wanting to find something to say to fill the awkward silence.

“Not as good as you,” Romeo told her. “Still living in fantasy lesbian land?”

“I’m not a lesbian.” Ruby exhaled, looking up as the door opened. Romeo gave a little grin at the comment.

“Mr Smith,” Edward shook his hand. “Mrs Smith.” Edward said, shaking Ruby’s hand.

“Don’t call me that,” Ruby said. “The whole point in me being here today is so I am not Mrs Smith anymore.” Edward gave a curt nod as he took a seat opposite them.

“I think Mrs Smith sounds great on you baby,” Romeo gave her a wink. “You should definitely stay Mrs Smith.

Edward looked from Romeo to Ruby. “Mr Smith are you having second thoughts?”

“I’ve never wanted this,” Romeo told him. “The only reason I came here today was because I read that because we’ve been married less than two years, only 6 weeks before she left me to be exact, that we could be forced to attend counselling to see if we still had something worth fighting for.”

“Yes, that is correct,” Edward said. “We will talk some more and if I see you both deep down want to work at this then I will put you in for marriage counselling.”

“No way,” Ruby shook her head. “You cannot force us to do anything and I don’t love him okay. I did at one point but not really when we got married. I...” Ruby pursed her lips. “I’m in a relationship with someone else. We’re about to celebrate a year together and I love them very much. I don’t want to be with Romeo or do any sort of counselling,” Ruby told him. “And he has a girlfriend. We have both moved on so let’s just get this divorce in motion.”

“Okay,” Edward gave a little nod. “Ehm, why did you separate in the first place?”

“I didn’t want too,” Romeo spoke up so he could get in before Ruby. “I loved her very much. I still do. We....we were newlyweds, it was great and....” Romeo pursed his lips. “She started a lesbian affair.”

Edward raised his eyebrows. “I’m not a lesbian,” Ruby shook her head as she looked at Edward. “I’m in a relationship with a woman but I am not a lesbian.”

“Seems like she’s is a bit confused to me,” Romeo used that to his advantage. “Maybe this counselling would be a good thing. If she just spent some time with me again, maybe....maybe those feelings would spark again.”

“Not going to happen,” Ruby clicked her tongue. “I guess you would say I was bi-sexual if you really had to label it. Look, can we just....please can we just get the divorce proceedings started.” Edward exhaled, seeing Ruby’s heart was no longer in this. He looked down to her papers before looking back to them.

“So I see you are filing for divorce on the grounds of irreconcilable differences?” Edward questioned and Romeo sniggered.

“Aww baby I wouldn’t say that,” Romeo said. “We’re not that different. We both love to surf, we love to travel, we both like sleeping with women,” Romeo chuckled before he exhaled, looking into her eyes. He knew he’d lost her and that there was no chance of them getting back together. He loved her with all his heart, but he really did need to let her go. He could refuse for the next 10 years to sign any divorce papers and he still wouldn’t win Ruby back. He sighed sadly, feeling defeated. “If this has to go down then its adultery on your part.” Romeo spoke quietly, looking down.

Ruby pursed her lips. “Fine. As long as we can get divorced then fine,” Ruby exhaled. “Adultery on my part can be the reason.”

“I’ll draw the papers up.” Edward said before he stood up and left the room.

******

Charlie ran down the hospital corridor, a furious look on her face. Heath stood up as he saw her, not expecting her to have nice words for him. “How could you be so stupid?” Charlie made fists with her hands and started banging them against his chest. “Of all the idiotic things you do, I....” Charlie trailed off.

“He wanted to surf.” Heath answered, bringing his hands up and holding Charlie’s wrists to stop her hitting him.

“He’s blind,” Charlie raised her voice, pulling her hands away from Heath’s grasp. “Don’t you realise how stupid not to mention dangerous it would be for him to do?”

“It’s dangerous without being blind,” Heath answered. “Brax is a great surfer. He’s knows what’s he doing out there, blind or not.”

“Evidently not,” Charlie yelled as she pointed to the door into Brax’s room. “And Wilsons Beach, really Heath? As if taking him surfing isn’t bad enough you had to do it at Wilsons Beach. That’s the most dangerous surf beach in this area, God.” Charlie sighed angrily, shaking her head at her brother-in-law.

“You are the one who is always telling him he can still do everything,” Heath retorted. “You are the one who wants to go back to work and leave him with your baby son,” Heath’s voice raised. “Leaving a blind man in charge of a newborn, really Charlie?” Heath cocked his head to the side.

“Being in your familiar house with your child is a hell of a lot different than being out in the open water,” Charlie spat. “I hate that he can’t surf anymore but the fact is it’s just too dangerous for him and the fact we are in the hospital just proves that, don’t you think?” Charlie glared at Heath, awaiting a reply. Before he could answer the door opened and Sid walked out of the room. “Sid, how is he?” Charlie’s worry for her husband was very evident in her tone.

“He came in with a small gash on the side of his head which we’ve cleaned up and he was pretty groggy from the bang to the head he received. He’s sleeping it off right now.” Sid answered softly.

“But he’s okay?” Charlie questioned.

“He’s fine,” Sid answered. “In you go to see him.” Sid told her and Charlie gave him a thankful smile before she walked into the room and took a seat next to her husband’s bed.

******

Romeo walked into the diner and over to the counter, smiling as he saw April would be serving him. “Romeo,” April gave him a smile. “What can I get for you?”

“You’re girlfriend.” Romeo replied.

April exhaled. “What do you want from here?” April questioned, not in any mood to be playing games.

“Two lattes,” Romeo answered. “To go. Got a date waiting at my place.”

“That’s nice,” April started making the coffees. “Things with you are Sophie going well then?” April poured the milk into the jug before balancing it under the steamer.

“Sophie and I have lots of fun,” Romeo answered. “But uhm, it’s not her waiting at home for me,” Romeo gave a smug grin. April pursed her lips as she looked away from Romeo. She didn’t want to think it but Romeo was making it seem like Ruby was at his place. “What you are thinking is right,” Romeo told her. “It’s Rubes. My wife is waiting for me. She wants to give it another go.” Romeo grinned.

“I don’t believe you.” April answered, pouring the hot steaming milk into the to go cups.

“Believe what you want,” Romeo laughed smugly. “We were at the divorce lawyers today and it’s was obvious she felt leaving me was a mistake,” Romeo said. “You know she couldn’t even say she was a lesbian,” Romeo seemed to be taking great pleasure in winding April up. “Shows how into you she is, huh?” Romeo said. April pursed her lips as she put the coffee’s down on the counter. “Give me two pieces of lemon drizzle too. It’s her favourite.” Romeo said. April picked up a box and put two pieces of the cake into it. She took a deep breath, trying her best to not let Romeo get to her, but truth was he was.

“$18.” April said, holding her hand out.

Romeo took a twenty from his wallet. “Keep the change. Little consolation gift from Rubes.” Romeo said before picking up his coffee’s and the cake box and leaving the diner, a smug grin on his face. Maybe he wasn’t going to get Ruby back but he could also make sure that April wasn’t going to have Ruby either.

[Danni02]

Thank you Red Ranger 1, Sarah and Spotd1 for commenting.

One hundred and forty-seven

Ruby took a deep breath before she knocked on the door. “Rubes, hey.” April pursed her lips.

“Can I come in?” Ruby questioned. April gave a little nod and Ruby walked into the house, looking to the living room to see the two kittens playing with each other. “You guys got another cat?” Ruby questioned, looking at the little ginger kitten.

“That’s Flynn. Darcy’s birthday present.” April told her, sitting herself down on the arm chair as Ruby clapped the little kitten, Flynn interested in their guest.

“So, how have you been the last couple of days?” Ruby straightened herself up before walking to the couch and sitting down, the kittens following her, Lola brining a little pink mouse with her.

April started pinching at her wrist. “Uhm....trying to forget,” April pursed her lips. “But uhm...” April looked down. “Romeo came into the diner this afternoon.”

“Oh,” Ruby was surprised but she wasn’t sure why. Of course Romeo would go into the diner from time to time. “What did he say?”

“Why?” April questioned. “Is there anything he should have been telling me? Or maybe not telling me?” April wondered.

“Well we signed divorce papers,” Ruby told her, a little smile of her face. “It’s in motion.” Ruby’s smile grew larger, relieved to finally be divorcing.

“Right.” April gave a little nod, her lips pursed.

“I thought you’d be more pleased,” Ruby said. “I’m finally divorcing. We can finally be together without the fact that I’m married to him hanging over us.” Ruby took the little mouse from Lola and threw it away, both kittens running off after it.

“It’s great. You’ve wanted this for a long time.” April pursed her lips, not looking directly at her girlfriend.

“If you have something you want to say just say it.” Ruby knew something had gotten to April.

“There’s nothing I want to say.” April once again pursed her lips, still not making eye contact.

“Yes, there is,” Ruby sighed. “I know you, April. This still about blaming me for your abortion?” Ruby questioned.

April took a deep breath as she shook head at Ruby’s question. “Did you go for coffee to his place?” April questioned.

“What?” Ruby screwed her face up. “I’m divorcing the guy. Why would I go to his place?”

“Well Romeo said -” April started, but upon the mention of his name, Ruby cut her off.

“Romeo?” Ruby raised her voice. “Romeo told you this and you believed it?” Ruby felt a little insulted.

“Well I...I didn’t want to but he just seemed so....” April pursed her lips as she looked down.

“I can’t believe you,” Ruby sighed standing up from the couch. “You still don’t trust me, do you?”

“Yes, I trust you,” April exhaled, standing up and taking a step closer to Ruby. “It’s him I don’t trust.”

“Well if you trust me then that shouldn’t matter,” Ruby raised her voice. “I don’t get what else you need from me. I left my husband to be with you, I asked you to move in with me, I...” Ruby shook her head.

“You can’t admit you are a lesbian.” April still couldn’t make eye contact as she spoke.

“Because I am not a bloody lesbian,” Ruby hit her hands against the back of the couch. “I am still attracted to guys. You know that. I thought you understood that.”

“Why do you need to tell that to Romeo?” April questioned.

“What? Why does that...” Ruby screwed her face up. “It’s always the same argue....” Ruby stopped talking mid-sentence. “I knew this was a mistake coming here today.” Ruby walked over to the door and left, slamming the door shut behind her. April took a deep breath before hiding her head in her hands.

******

Charlie was holding Brax’s hand, as he was still asleep. “You big idiot,” Charlie mumbled. “I know I wanted you to live a normal life but surfing, baby,” Charlie shook her head. “I think that was a step too much. I really do.” Charlie looked up as there was a knock at the door and Heath walked into the room.

“See, just a little bang to the head,” Heath said. “It might knock some sense into him.” Heath laughed, trying to ease the tension.

Charlie managed a little smile at his joke. “I’m sorry I yelled at you so much before, I just...” Charlie paused looking back to her husband.

“I get it,” Heath said. “He’s your husband. You love him and you don’t want to lose him.” Heath gave a little smile like he understood what Charlie felt.

“He’s already blind. I....well we don’t need anything else happening to him, do we?” Charlie questioned.

“Nah,” Heath answered. “And you know before he crashed out and hit that rock he was totally owning it out there,” Heath told her. Charlie gave a little smile, not expecting anything else. “Anyways, I’ll go home. Let me know when he wakes up yeah?”

“Mmm,” Charlie gave a little nod. “How are things at home, by the way?”

Heath gave a little shrug. “It’s difficult. And that’s just with me and Bianca. Darcy’s a whole other story.” Heath sighed running his wedding band around his finger.

“There’s still a lot of love there,” Charlie told him. “Give it time.” Charlie said and Heath gave her a weak smile.

“I don’t know if there’s enough time in the world.” Heath mumbled, looking downwards.

“Brax and I have been through a lot and look at us now. Stronger than ever.” Charlie told him.

“Yeah but you’ve also broken up twice,” Heath said. “Maybe me and Bianca just need to....” Heath trailed off, not wanting to say it. Of course he didn’t want him and Bianca to be over but he didn’t know how much longer they could go on like they were. It wasn’t fair on anyone, most especially the girls.

“But we always found our way back to each other,” Charlie said. “You and Bianca are exactly the same. You’re meant to be. It’s just a rough time. All marriages have rough times but you’ll get through this then be even stronger and more in love.” Charlie spoke softly.

“Yeah we’ll see.” Heath exhaled, sounding unsure as to if they were strong enough to get passed everything. “Anyways, I’ll get going.” Heath said before leaving her in the room with her husband.

Charlie turned back to face Brax as she felt his hand squeezing hers. “Hey, baby you waking up?” Charlie smiled as his eyes fluttered.

“Charlie,” Brax said, screwing his face up a little. “It’s bright. It’s so bright.”

“What?” Charlie questioned.

“I can....” Brax felt his heart beating faster. He could see the ceiling tiles, see the bright light above him. “Come here.” Charlie stood up and leaned herself over Brax.

“I’m here babe.” Charlie told him, rubbing her hand over his chest.

“I see you,” Brax choked up. “I can see you, Charlie.” Brax couldn’t believe he could see his wife.

“Brax don’t joke about that.” Charlie told him off, this not something he should be joking about.

“I’m not joking,” Brax grinned. “I....you...” Brax felt his heart beating faster.

“Don’t,” Charlie hit his shoulder. “It’s not funny to get my hopes up like that.”

“You have your orange skirt on. And the orange and white stripy singlet to match,” Charlie gasped, her heart jumping. Brax knew what she was wearing. Her blind husband could see her. Brax brought his hand up and rubbed her cheek. “Your gorgeous face. I can see your gorgeous face,” Brax told her. “You’re blurry and you have two heads right now but I...I see you.”

“Oh my God,” Charlie heart started to beat faster. “Brax,” Charlie felt her eyes stinging with tears of joy. “I uhm....I’ll get Sid.”

“No,” Brax pulled on her hand, stopping her from leaving. “My boy. Get me my baby boy. I want to see my son.” Charlie could hear the emotion in Brax’s voice. She wiped a tear from her eye before placing a kiss on his lips.

“I will. I’ll get Leah to bring the kids right away but we need to get Sid in here now.” Charlie said before leaving the room to get Sid to hopefully explain to them what was happening with Brax’s sight.

[Danni02]

Thank you for the comments. Haha, I thought you'd like that one, Spotd1!

One hundred and forty-eight

Brax was holding his son in his arms, his eyes misting over. “He’s beautiful,” Brax sniffed back. His vision still wasn’t great. His left eye was very blurry, his right a little more clear, but he could still see his son. He saw his big green eyes, his light brown hair sticking up on end. “You are right; he looks so much like Noah.” Brax took a deep breath to stay composed. Sid couldn’t really explain him regaining his eyesight. Only that sometimes, with head injuries something behind the eye moves, causing the blindness and a second bad knock can put things back in place.

“It’s a magic miracle,” Toby beamed, sitting on the end of Brax’s bed. “You’re eyes are broken no more.” Toby grinned and Brax looked up to him with a smile, happy to see his cheeky little face again.

“Why are you crying mum?” Ella questioned, watching as Charlie wiped a tear from her cheek.

“They are happy tears,” Charlie told her daughter. “I’m just so happy daddy can see again.”

“It’s the best,” Noah grinned. “But Dr Sid said he would need glasses,” Noah giggled. “He’ll be funny in glasses.”

“But they will help daddy see even more so we won’t laugh.” Ella said, looking up to her father. “We won’t daddy.”

Brax smiled as he looked at his daughter. “You’re so gorgeous petal,” Brax rubbed her cheek softly with his thumb. “Laugh, because I love seeing your little face light up when you laugh.”

“What about mines daddy?” Toby questioned.

“Yours too, bud,” Brax looked at Toby before looking back down to his youngest. Luca gurgled before giving his father a big gummy smile. “God he’s just.....I.....” Brax exhaled, not finding the words he wanted. “He’s....”

“I know,” Charlie leaned forward and squeezed Brax’s arm. “He’s a cutie.”

“We don’t half make gorgeous kiddies.” Brax stared at his baby son, completely besotted. Charlie smiled at her husband, her heart melting a little at the very evident love that Brax had for Luca.

******

Heath looked up as the door opened and Bianca walked back into the house, Darcy and Katie walking in behind her. She lifted Freya out of the pram and put her down on her play mat, Freya waving her arm out and knocking the flower rattle, resulting in a gurgle of delight as she kicked her legs out and waved her arms excitedly. “Hey, your home.” Heath gave her a smile.

“Yeah, we uhm,” Bianca rubbed the back of her head. “We went out for school things.”

“I got my school dresses and new shoes,” Katie started pulling them out of the bags, Lola and Flynn running over to investigate. “Lola.” Katie giggled as Lola laid herself on the school dress that was on the floor. Bianca sighed as she lifted Lola out of the way.

“Katelyn don’t get your dresses dirty.” Bianca exhaled, lifting the dress up and shaking it out.

“Katelyn?” Heath raised his eyebrows.

“She’s in a bad mood.” Darcy sat herself down on the couch, lifting Flynn up and sitting him on her lap to clap him.

“Ah Darce what did we talk about the other day?” Heath exhaled, moving closer to his daughter on the couch.

“I did nothing wrong,” Darcy sighed, but couldn’t be to upset at his remark given her recent behaviour. “It was Katie.”

“I doed nothing daddy,” Katie pushed her hair back from her face. “I just excited for school.”

Bianca shook her head. “I’m not going shopping with her when she is a teenager,” Bianca muttered. “How was Brax?”

Heath pursed his lips. “Uhm...he was good. We went surfing and he hit his head off a rock.” Heath figured he may as well just come out and say it.

“Heath,” Bianca gasped. “Is he okay?”

“I left him at the hospital with Charlie,” Heath told her. “But, he was fine. Just a small gash.”

Bianca shook her head. “I’ve already broken him. You don’t need to make him any worse.”

Bianca and Heath looked around as they heard Darcy giggle. They both smiled at her, this the first time they’d heard her laugh since Tegan died. “You sound funny saying you broke him.” Darcy explained her giggle.

“Well I did,” Bianca replied. “I broke his eyes. It’s my fault he’s blind.”

“Yeah it sure is,” Heath mumbled. “Anyways, he must be getting out of hospital today because I just got a message from Charlie asking if we wanted to go out for dinner to the restaurant with them.”

“Yeah to the restaurant,” Katie sounded happy at the offer. “Please. Pizza and stinky bread is the best.”

“Uhm, yeah,” Bianca nodded, looking to Darcy. “You fancy going out with all your family?”

“Sure,” Darcy nodded. “I’m going to put my stuff away.” Darcy put Flynn on the ground before picking up her shopping bags and walking in the direction of the bedroom, Flynn following after her.

“April back from work?” Bianca questioned.

“Yeah,” Heath rubbed the back of his head. “She looked really upset when I got home. She wouldn’t talk to me though. She just went to her room. Hasn’t been out since.”

Bianca looked in the direction of April’s room before looking back to Heath. “I’ll go see her,” Bianca exhaled before walking over to April’s room and knocking on the door. After a while with no reply, she opened the door anyways and walked in, finding April lying in the foetal position, hugging her Cooke Monster teddy close to herself. “You okay?” Bianca questioned. She walked across the room and sat down on the bed next to her sister. “Well of course not, look at you,” Bianca wiped a tear that rolled down April’s cheek. “You and Rubes still not speaking?”

April shook her head. “She came around before but I....I made things worse.” April mumbled.

“Well how about making them.....un-worse?” Bianca screwed her face up at her choice of wording.

“I don’t know how,” April squeaked as another tear rolled down her cheek. “I really don’t know how.” April broke into heavier tears as Bianca comfortingly rubbed her back, letting her cry it out before she attempted to help her sister with her relationship troubles.

******

“Ruby, Ruby,” Ella burst into the house, wanting to be the one to tell her big sister the news. “Ruby Buckton where are you.” Ella squealed.

“Shhh,” Charlie covered Ella’s mouth. “Dad will tell her himself.”

Brax followed behind, Luca in his arms, Brax still staring down at his new son. “She will be wowed.” Noah’s voice was high you could see he was pleased with Brax’s sight regain.

“Woweee wowed.” Toby giggled as he looked up at Brax, showing off his set of white teeth.

“Ruby,” Ella yelled rather loudly again. “Oh Ruby. Here Ruby, Ruby, Ruby.”

“Turn the volume down,” Charlie nudged Ella’s back. “And she’s not a dog either. Don’t call on her like that.” Ella scowled at her mother as Brax chuckled at her comment.

“Well I will tell Rolo.” Ella announced before running through to the living room.

“No, me’s will.” Toby ran off after Ella, with Noah following behind them.

“What is all this shouting my name about?” Ruby appeared in the room from the hallway.

“Uhm.” Charlie looked at Brax and gave a little nod.

“You alight, Rubes?” Brax questioned. “Looking rather upset there.”

“I’m fine,” Ruby sniffed back although it was very evident she’d been crying. “Romeo and I signed divorce papers today so what’s not to be happy about?”

“Well it’s just you look like you’ve been crying, so...” Brax trailed off, hoping Ruby would pick up on the fact he was seeing how she looked.

Ruby scrunched her face up a little, before looking at her stepfather. He had a glint in his eye and he looked more focused that normal, he was staring her right in the face. “How do you know that I’m...” Ruby trailed off before looking to Charlie. Her mother also had a glint in her eye, a huge smile on her face.

“Nice dress,” Brax decided to up it a little, Ruby still clearly not catching on. “Never seen you in that before. Is it new?” Brax questioned. “The blue suits you.”

“What.....I......” Ruby sounded gobsmacked. She watched Brax looking down to his baby son who was in his arm and saw a smile form on his face.

“Yeah that’s a nice smile for daddy.” Brax cooed as Luca was giving him a big gummy grin.

“Oh my God Brax,” Ruby gasped as she hit her hand against her chest. “You can see....how.....I....what?” Ruby could feel her heart beating faster, thrilled at what she believed to be true.

“Idiot Heath took him out surfing and he fell off banged his head against the rocks.” Charlie said, rubbing Brax’s upper arm.

“Don’t act like you’re not glad Heath is an idiot who took me surfing,” Brax replied. “I can see, Rubes,” Brax grinned and his step-daughter screamed out, amazed. “I got my sight back.” Ruby ran to Brax, engulfing him in a hug.

“That’s amazing,” Ruby said, pulling back a little, not wanting to crush her baby brother. “Ah Brax, it really is, I....” Ruby didn’t know what to say. Brax smiled agreeing it was indeed amazing before looking to his son and placing a kiss on his forehead.

[Danni02]

Thanks for the comments.

One hundred and forty-nine

Charlie walked quickly into the restaurant when she saw they were already there and waiting. “Heath Braxton,” Charlie said and Heath gulped as he looked at Bianca before standing up as Charlie marched over to him. “Heath you drive me crazy and you are a complete idiot but right now I love you.” Charlie smacked her lips against his, all the kids gasping as Bianca widened her eyes in shock. Charlie wrapped her arms around Heath, giving him a big hug.

“Uhm.....what.....I.....” Heath looked shocked at what Charlie did.

“S’up bro,” Brax said, pulling Charlie closer to him and wrapping his arms around her from behind. “Lovely night out, right?”

“Uhm, yeah.” Heath rubbed the back of his head. He stared at his brother and saw he looked different. His eyes looked more focused.

“Daddy can see,” Toby said climbing up onto the booth seat next to Katie. “No more broken eyes.”

“What?” Heath and Bianca both sounded gobsmacked.

“He said daddy can see,” Ella took a seat at the table. “His eyes are unbroken now. It’s great, huh?”

“Bro,” Heath pushed Charlie out of the way and gave his bother a hug. It wasn’t like they were the hugging type, but with news like this Heath couldn’t resist giving his brother a hug. “That’s fantastic.”

“Not bad eh,” Brax tried to play it cool but of course was over the moon that he could see again. “You’ll be pleased I’d expect.” Brax looked to Bianca he pulled away from his brother.

“Brax, I...” Bianca felt herself welling up. “Of course. It’s great.” Brax gave his sister-in-law a hug.

“Yeah it’s cool you can see again uncle Brax.” Darcy smiled at him from the table as everyone sat down.

“Thanks Darcy,” Brax smiled at his niece. “How was your day?”

“It was okay. We went shopping for school stuff.” Darcy told him. Charlie looked to her side, and smiled as her husband spoke with his nieces. Katie starting to tell him all about her school uniform, Brax of course knowing what it was like considering Ella wore it too. She put her hand on his knee and rubbed it gently before looking to Bianca.

“So April not come either?” Charlie questioned, noticing April’s absence.

“No I couldn’t get her to come.” Bianca sighed.

Charlie exhaled as she shook her head. “I’m really just trying not to get involved,” Charlie told her friend. “It’s up to them to sort whatever this is out.” Charlie held her hands out to the side.

“April admitted to me she was at fault,” Bianca said. “So, it’s a start. She’s just....” Bianca trailed off. “Well I just hope they can sort things out.”

“Darcy,” Bianca and Charlie looked around as they heard Ella’s voice. “Do you like One Direction?”

“Uhm...not really.” Darcy answered.

“Oh,” Ella looked a little disappointed with her answer. “I love them. I will see them in March in Melbourne.”

“Yeah we're all going.” Toby clapped his hands.

“Not to One Direction,” Noah told them. “Just mummy and Ella will but we are all going to Melbourne.”

“You should all come,” Toby pointed round the table to Darcy, Katie, Bianca and Heath. “We all go on holidays together.”

“If we are going on a holiday together it should be somewhere cool like Fiji or Hawaii.” Heath said and all the kids gasped.

“Wow can we?” Katie questioned.

“Maybe one day,” Heath answered. “When the babies are older.”

“They is fine to go now.” Toby banged his hand against the table, causing some of the cutlery to fall to the floor.

“You making a mess?” Laura walked over with some menu’s. Toby stared up at her, his eyes all wide. “You think this is your restaurant?”

“Yeah,” Toby nodded. “Well mummy and daddy’s.”

Laura gave a little laugh. “Smart kid you have there Charlie.” Laura handed out the menus.

“Yeah he’s not stupid this one.” Heath gestured to his nephew.

“I’ll let you guys decide what you want.” Laura walked back over to the bar, giving them some time to decide what they wanted for their meal.

******

Charlie walked into the bedroom, smiling as she saw Brax sitting over the moses basket, watching Luca as he slept. “You know your wife is sitting down the stairs on her own, right?” Charlie questioned. Brax looked up to her briefly before looking back at Luca.

“He sleeps like a star fish.” Brax smiled fondly, having been watching his son sleeping for almost half an hour now.

Charlie laughed a little. “As long as he gets his sleep.” Charlie wrapped her arms around his neck from behind, rubbing his chest with one of her hands.

“I could watch him all night.” Brax still looked besotted.

“Hmmm,” Charlie breathed on his neck. “I think you’ve watched him long enough. I think we need to do some more celebrating at you getting your eye sight back.”

Brax brought his hand up and rubbed hers as it was still rubbing his chest. “Or we could talk about how you kissed my brother.”

Charlie pursed her lips. “Just making sure I was with the right Braxton.” Charlie joked and Brax gave a little laugh.

“And?” Brax looked around to her.

“I think I might need a little more help before I decide.” Charlie said, trying to hide a cheeky grin. Brax smiled as he stood up, Charlie dropping her hands from him. Brax turned to face her and rubbed her cheek with his thumb.

“I missed this face so much,” Brax spoke softly. “It’s even more beautiful than I remember. I love you so much,” Brax placed a soft kiss on Charlie’s lips. Charlie smiled into the kiss, letting it deepen as they wrapped their arms around each other. “Even if you do still have two heads.”

Charlie gave a little laugh. “Well do you want to join me and my two heads in a nice relaxing bubble bath?” Charlie questioned. “All the kids are sleeping, Ruby has Rolo out for his night walk....”

“Is that so?” Brax ran his hands up her back. “I might be tempted,” Charlie smiled before kissing his lips. “Hey,” Brax pulled back and looked into his wife’s eyes. He’d always loved her eyes. “I’ve been thinking. Now I have my sight back I can go back to work and you can stay here with Luca Bean.”

Charlie gave a little smile, glad she’d now be able to home with her baby son longer. “Yeah probably is time you go back to work after your 3 month vacation, right enough.”

“Well just fancied the break, you know....” Brax exhaled. “But seriously, I really can’t wait to get back to work.”

“Yeah I can’t wait to get rid of you for part of the day too,” Charlie said. “Luca and I will have a blast without daddy.”

“Oi,” Brax playfully slapped her arm as she laughed. “Go run our bath. I’ll watch the little bean till it’s ready.” Brax said sitting back down on the chair and looking over the moses basket. Charlie smiled as she rubbed his shoulder before walking through to the en-suite.

******

Heath and Bianca were sitting in the living room. The girls were all in bed and April hadn’t been out of her room all night. Bianca pursed her lips hating the silence that had engulfed them since Darcy went to her bed. “We don’t even know what to say to each other anymore.” Bianca murmured.

Heath hit mute on the TV remote and turned in the couch to face his wife. “I know. I....” Heath exhaled. “Maybe once Darcy settles into school we can....I really feel we need to take time away from here, from the girls.....from Rose, I.....”

“You think that’s going to help?” Bianca questioned. “If we cant figure things out here how is it going to be any different when we are away somewhere else? If anything it’ll be more awkward. At least when the girls are around they keep conversation going.” Bianca was winding her engagement ring around her finger, looking downwards as she spoke.

“If we both want this to work then we’d be willing to try anything.” Heath told her.

“Well we’ve kind of stopped the counselling for some unknown reason. Why not give that a go again?” Bianca questioned.

Heath pursed his lips. Did he want to go to counselling? No, but he knew it meant something to Bianca and of course he’d rather go to counselling and get his marriage back on track than lose Bianca because he didn’t try it. “We can go back.” Heath told her.

“And we can try your time away thing too,” Bianca said. “I’m sure Darce can understand that we need this time. She’s not some stupid little kid. I’m sure she picks up on the fact things are far from great with us.”

“Yeah and April is here for her and Charlie and Brax of course.” Heath said, hesitating for a moment before he lightly rubbed Bianca’s arm.

“I’ll go get the laptop. See if we can find any nice hotels not too far away.” Bianca said and Heath gave her a smile as she stood up and went into her bedroom. Heath jumped up as the doorbell rang and walked over to the door.

“What the hell do you want?” Heath spat as he saw Rose at the other side.

“Now now Heath,” Rose said. “That’s no way to speak to the mother of your child.” Rose smirked and Heath stood open mouthed in shock at what she said.

“The what?” Heath looked around as he saw Bianca standing in the living room, obviously having heard Rose. He cleared his throat looking from Bianca to Rose then back to Bianca again, hating that the situation had just been made a hundred times worse and any hope of him and Bianca fixing their marriage was slipping further and further away.

[Danni02]

Thanks for the comments.

One hundred and fifty

Ruby walked along the beach, managing a weak smile as she saw her girlfriend sitting on the sand dunes, waiting for her. She walked up to her and sat down next to her. “Thanks for meeting me,” April spoke quietly, looking out the ocean. Ruby exhaled, also looking out to the ocean. She ran her hand over the sand before picking up a clump letting it fall through the gaps between her fingers. “Bianca told me about Brax. It’s awesome news,” April turned to look at Ruby. “You’re mum must be thrilled. And the kids. Brax too I suppose.” April gave a little laugh.

“I uhm,” Ruby exhaled. “I have work in 10 minutes so....” Ruby looked at April briefly before looking back out to the ocean.

April pursed her lips, feeling her eyes stinging with tears. “I’ve never loved someone as much as I love you and it scares me,” April looked around to Ruby as she spoke. “We’ve been talking a lot lately about living together and children and the possibility of marriage one day and it.....it scares me because....” April bit her lip. “Well we’ve got to that stage before then you....we broke up.”

“So you think it’ll happen again?” Ruby questioned. April gave a little shrug before sort of shaking her head, but not enough for Ruby to believe she didn’t think it would happen again. “So it still comes down to the fact that you don’t trust me.” Ruby sniggered, her head shaking a little in disbelief.

“I was really hurt by Pete and it’s going to affect my trust in people.” April argued.

“It shouldn’t in me,” Ruby told her. “I was married when we starting dating again. Doesn’t the fact that I threw away my marriage give you some sort of indication of how much I love and want to be with you?” Ruby questioned.

April gave a little shrug. “It also tells me that you’ve strayed once, maybe.....” April stopped talking, looking downwards. Of course she didn’t want to think it but most people did say once a cheater, always a cheater.

“Wow,” Ruby exhaled. “I can’t believe you have so little trust in me. Marrying Romeo was a mistake. I loved him but not in that way. I....I love you April. From the moment we shared our first kiss, I just....I knew you were the one and I....” Ruby clasped her elephant pendant in her hand. “You were there for me through the hardest parts of my life and I was there for you through all the stuff with Pete,” Ruby felt herself welling up. “But if you don’t trust me enough then.....” Ruby trailed off, sniffing back as she looked around to April. She exhaled, bringing her hands up and taking her necklace off, putting it into a shocked April’s hands. “I have to get to work.” Ruby stood up and brushed the sand off her dress before walking away, not looking back at April who was staring down at the necklace, tears rolling down her cheeks, trying to figure out what Ruby meant by giving her the necklace back.

******

Charlie met Bianca out at the park. Katie was playing on the swings and Freya was in her arms, holding a little tan and white puppy teddy. Charlie lightly rubbed her chin, Freya kicking her legs out a yelping in excitement at seeing her auntie. “No Luca today?” Bianca questioned as Charlie sat down next to her.

“Brax wouldn’t let me bring him out,” Charlie told her and Bianca smiled at the thought of Brax and Luca time. “Don’t get me wrong I love that he has his sight back and all and I know it must be amazing that he can see Luca for the first time, but....”Charlie pursed her lips as she looked out to the kids as they ran down to play with Katie on the climbing frame.

“You wish he would remember he has 3 other kids?” Bianca questioned and Charlie gave a little nod. “Well it’s only been like a day....half a day and a night...a little bit of morning,” Bianca scrunched her face up. “It can’t have been that bad?”

“He’ll answer them if they talk to him but yeah, he’s spent all his time with Luca. I did bath and bed time with the kids last night while Brax watched over Luca as he slept, he didn’t go swimming with the kids this morning because he was cooing over Luca. Toby wanted him to come kick a ball around here today but he said he was staying home with Luca.”

“I’m sure he doesn’t mean to do it. Like you said he’ll just be excited he can finally see his son. Let him have a day or two then talk to him if he keeps doing it.” Bianca moved Freya slightly on her knee.

“Hmm,” Charlie pursed her lips. “So, you okay? You didn’t sound so good on the phone this morning.”

Bianca took a deep breath, wanting to get this off her chest, and to no better person than her best friend. “Heath is having another baby.” Bianca exhaled, rubbing Freya’s back.

“Oh my goodness Bianca,” Charlie gasped. “You’re pregnant?” Charlie hit her friends arm in surprised.

“No no,” Bianca shook her head. “To be pregnant you actually need to have sex. Which Heath last did with Rose.”

Charlie widened her eyes. “Rose is pregnant?”

“Mmm,” Bianca pursed her lips. “Told us last night.”

“Wow eh...” Charlie was a bit gobsmacked.

“Yeah, that’s exactly how Heath and I’s conversation went last night,” Bianca sighed and Charlie saw her eyes welling up with tears. “We just didn’t talk to each other once she left.”

“Do you have proof?” Charlie questioned. “I know it’s really low to pretend you are pregnant but Rose is a bit.....psycho crazy when it comes to Heath.”

“She had a scan,” Bianca told her friend. “I...I can’t accept a love child.”

“You’ve been pretty accepting of Katie.” Charlie looked out to the kids, smiling at Katie went down the slide, yelling out in joy.

“She’s not really a love child, is she?” Bianca questioned. “Heath and I weren’t together when she was conceived and Alice hasn’t ever really been around for her. She is my little girl,” Bianca hit her chest. “Rose is mad for Heath and would constantly be there.”

“So, you are saying if he wants to be in the baby’s life he can’t have you?” Charlie questioned.

Bianca clicked her tongue. “I’m saying I can’t accept this baby,” Bianca pursed her lips. “I’m not going to make him choose, but....” Bianca took a deep breath. “I think we are over anyways. This baby thing is just the straw that broke the camel’s back,” Bianca sighed. “We don’t know what to say to each other anymore, we....we haven’t had sex in 6 months,” Bianca paused for a moment. “I know that now Brax has his sight back it might ease a bit of the tension but I don’t think he’ll ever fully forgive what happened with Freya when she was first born.”

“But that wasn’t really your fault,” Charlie rubbed her arm and Freya looked down, watching Charlie’s hand with great interest. “You were sick.”

“Maybe so but....” Bianca shrugged. “He’s not letting it go.” Bianca felt a tear rolling down her cheek, hating how hard life was right now. Freya slipped from her grip a little, Charlie bringing her hand forward and keeping Freya in place.

“Why don’t you go have some you time?” Charlie suggested, taking Freya into her arms. “I’ll watch the girls for a couple of hours. Just have some time to process this and...” Charlie exhaled.

“Yeah thanks,” Bianca sniffed back as she stood up. “You been good for Auntie Charlie,” Bianca rubbed Freya’s head as she spoke, Freya staring up at her mother, giving her a big gummy smile as she spoke. “You’ll be here?”

“Maybe,” Charlie gave a little shrug. “I have my phone, so just call me.”

“Yeah.” Bianca gave her friend a thankful smile before walking off through the park, needing some time by herself to know what she wanted to do when it came to her relationship with Heath.