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Thanks for the comments guys. Enjoy :)

CHAPTER TWENTY ONE

Ruby turned to face him and was about to speak before a sound caught her attention. Her eyes widened at the sped of the car and she whipped her head back to Casey

"CASEY" she screamed. Her feet moved of its own accord, her arms pushing him out of the way but her feet not quick enough to safe herself

Everything around Casey seemed to slow down. Her screaming his name, the sound of the car making contact, her body crashing against the windscreen before it dropped lifeless on the other side of the road. Crawling to his feet, Casey felt the very breath leave his lungs, his legs shaking as if they would cave beneath him

"RUBY" he shouted, his voice echoing through the wind

Brax cussed under his breath as he realised he didn't have his phone on him. He had left Charlie's room to try and call Casey or Ruby. Deciding that would now have to wait, he turned to walk back in to the room she was in but stopped in his tracks as he saw Martha being wheeled in on a wheel chair, Jack beside her clutching a bag to his chest

"Jack" Brax called and met them half way "What's going on?" he asked Jack and then turned to Martha "Are you ok?"

Before Martha could answer, Jack did "No I am not. I feel a little dizzy"

Martha rolled her eyes, her hands caressing her baby smooth in a circular motion "I think he was talking to me"

"Oh right" Jack nodded "Yea she's good" he answered. Martha glared at Jack and had it not been for the uncertainty of what was going on with Charlie and the baby, Brax would have been in stitches laughing

"I'm having the baby" said Martha before another contraction hit. Brax watched as she grabbed a hold of Jacks hand, his eyes watering in pain as she squeezed hard

"****" Jack cussed quietly as Martha loosened her grip

"Oh" Martha, breathed out as the contraction passed "That one was a big one"

"Come on guys we have to get you to a room" said one of the nurses, as she wheeled Martha away

"Please call Charlie and Bianca for me" shouted Martha as she was wheeled into a room

Jack went to follow but stopped and turned to Brax "Wait, what you doing here anyway" he asked. He hadn't had time to call anyone yet and he knew Martha hadn't either

Brax frowned, one hand rubbing the back of his neck "Err… Charlie was having some pains so I brought her in"

Jack frowned, his gaze widening slightly "but she's ok right? Her and the baby?"

Brax sighed and shrugged his shoulders "We don't know what's going on yet. We only just got here a few minutes ago" Brax saw a nurse walk out of the room Martha had been taken in to

"You should go be with Martha. She'll kill you if you let her do this herself. Where's Sophia"

Jack glanced behind him before turning back to Brax "We dropped her off with Roo" he sighed, knowing he had to get to Martha "Keep me updated ok?" he asked as he lay a hand on Brax's shoulder "I'm sure she and the baby will be fine"

Brax tried for a smile as he nodded "Yea. Err…" he winced as he heard a loud grunting noise coming from Martha's room "You better get in there now, but don't tell her about Charlie. She shouldn't have to be worrying about that now, especially since we could just be worrying for no reason"

Jack nodded "I'll see you soon ok" he started walking backwards "Both of you"

Brax nodded before turning around and walking back into the room Charlie was in

"Ok, let's take a look at baby" said doctor Williams, as she placed the transducer probe on Charlie's small bump. Charlie hadn't even register the coldness of the gel, as she stared at the screen waiting to see their baby. Wanting to make sure she or he was truly ok.

The room remained airily silent for the longest moment before Charlie and Brax both let out breaths they had been holding. The steady sound of a heartbeat filled the small room and Doctor Williams smiled

"Your baby is doing just fine in there. Heart beat is strong and there are no signs that anything at all is wrong" she put the transducer probe back on its stand and handed Charlie some tissue

"So the cramps aren't a sign of anything serious?" asked Brax, his foot tapping against the floor

Doctor Williams shook her head "No. Nothing that we can detect" she looked to Charlie "In this stage of pregnancy, it is not uncommon for women to experience things such as cramps. All it means is that your body is changing to accommodate your child. Most likely chance is that your uterus is beginning to expand in preparation. Although it doesn't usually occur with women that have had kids already, it is not un-common."

Charlie blew out a breath "I just…" she sighed "After the twins…"

Doctor Williams nodded; she was well up to date with Charlie's situation with the twins "It is understandable for you to worry over these things. Even woman who have had trouble free pregnancies fret and worry when they experience these things so in your case it is only to be expected"

Charlie nodded "Thank you"

Doctor Williams nodded and stood to her feet "Has I said before we would like to keep you in for the night. Just to measure the severity of the cramps and make sure it doesn't have any effect on the baby or you"

Charlie nodded, willing to do anything as long as their baby was safe

"I'll get one of the nurses to clear all this away and leave you to rest" said Doctor Williams before leaving the room.

Charlie and Brax watched as Doctor Williams left the room, closing the door behind her. Brax squeezed Charlie's hand, his body now sagged in relief

"I'm sorry for freaking out and for freaking you out" said Charlie as she turned to look at Brax

Brax shook his head and leaned over her, placing a kiss on her lips "You can freak out anytime you want and plus I would have freaked out even more if you hadn't said anything"

Charlie exhaled and rested her head against the pillow "It's a good thing your mum has the twins for the night"

Brax nodded "Yea" he quickly remembered seeing Jack and Martha in the hallway. He hadn't been able to tell Charlie when he returned to her room, in fear that they were going to receive bad news about their own baby

"I actually bumped into Martha and Jack when I went outside before" he smiled lightly

That piece of news had Charlie sitting up fast "Why? What's wrong? It's not the baby is it?" Worry line surrounded her forehead

Brax shook his head "No. Well yes it is the baby but it's not a bad thing. I'm pretty sure she was in labour"

Charlie's eyes widened in excitement "Really" she clapped her hands together and Brax chuckled. The action reminded him of Hope, whenever she was excited about something

"You look more excited than Jack did, that's for sure. He looked as white as a ghost, you would have thought he was the one in labour. I wouldn't be surprised if he's passed out already, poor guy"

Charlie laughed "Poor guy" she rolled her eye "Maybe he should try pushing something the size of a water melon out of a grape sized whole"

Brax winced at the thought "Yea, Martha wins that one"

"Brax maybe you should go home and at least let Casey know where we are. We didn't tell him we were going out anywhere, he's probably wondering where everyone is" said Charlie "And plus I would really like some clothes for tomorrow. And seeing as I'm stuck to this bed till the morning, its your duty to go out there and get me an update Martha"

Brax chuckled lightly and nodded before standing to his feet "I won't be long. I should probably call Ruby too." Giving her a quick kiss Brax rubbed her belly before walking out of the room. No sooner had he turned the corner, before he frowned. He could hear the rambling of a frantic panicked voice and could swear it sounded like Casey. Unsure why, his steps slowed as if scared he was about to see something he didn't want to

"She…we, oh God. Please tell me she's going to be ok" Casey paced alongside the gurney that Ruby lay on, his gaze fixed on her face

Brax felt a cold chill travel the length of his body, that voice was most definitely Casey's. Brax picked up his pace and rounded the corner, then suddenly with no warning, it felt as if every nerve in his body had stopped functioning. His gaze followed the gurney as doctors and nurses pushed it down the hall, till he saw her. Ruby lay bruised and lifeless, her curls falling down the side of the gurney and blood. Too much blood

He felt light headed but somehow managed to move "What going on?" he whispered his voice seeming to have deserted him. When no one answered he spoke again but this time with volume "What the hell happened to my daughter?" He saw the nurse flinch at the level of his voice but he couldn't pay her any attention "Ruby" he paced along with the gurney and pushed her hair from her face, caressing her forehead lightly "Rubes hy wake up. Wake up" he gritted his teeth as a doctor tried to push him out of the way

"We have to get her into surgery now"

Brax felt a lump from in his throat "What happened?" He looked back down at Ruby, willing her to just open her eyes, let him know she was ok "Why won't she wake up?" he was all but shouting now but he had no idea how to channel the fear and dread coursing through his body

"Sir please move. We don't have time"

Brax pushed back from the gurney and watched as they wheeled her out of eye sight. "What…" he found himself stammering as he turned to look at Casey. His gaze followed the blood smeared on Casey's shirt and arms, before his gaze met his face "What" he blinked rapidly, praying this was some sort of nightmare "What happened Case?" he swallowed hard, trying his best to fight back the bile raising in his throat

Casey shook his head, his face as white as Ruby's had been. His hand ran though his hair roughly as he continued to shake his head "I didn't see it" a shaky breath escaped him "I swear I didn't see it coming"

Brax bent his knee's trying to fight the urge to throw up, he couldn't understand a word of what Casey was saying, maybe it was because the ground seemed to be spinning underneath him, he felt like he would faint any moment. Taking a deep breath, his head snapped back up as Casey was suddenly running down the wall way, Brax hot on his trial. Pushing a cubical door open Casey bent down and emptied the contents of his stomach

"Casey what the hell happened?" There was a tremble in Brax's voice as flashes of Ruby kept popping into Brax's mind

Casey slowly pushed himself off the floor and walked over to the sink. His eyes looked empty as he opened the tap, and placed his hand under washing away some of Ruby's blood. Turning the tap off, Casey looked up into the mirror in front of him before he broke down

Casey shook his head and did something that Brax hadn't seen him do since he was a kid. He cried. Bent over the sink Casey's shoulders shook as he cried. Moving quickly Brax pulled Casey into him, as Casey clung to his shirt

"She pushed me out of the way, Brax" Casey spoke through his tears "I didn't see it coming. I swear to you"

Brax didn't understand what Casey was trying to say

"Didn't see what coming?" asked Brax, trying to keep a hold of his own emotions

"The car" replied Casey and Brax dragged in an audible breath "They just hit her and drove off"

The fear that Brax had now felt seemed to dissipate as anger took control "They drove off" he repeated as Casey pulled away from him

Casey nodded "They didn't even stop for a second. Whoever it was just left" Casey's hands began to shake "Brax, she…" he shook his head

Brax closed his eyes for a few seconds, trying to tamper down his fear but most of all the raging anger he could feel rising within him. He clasped both his hands around Casey's face "Nothing is going to happen to her ok. She's gonna make it out of this"

Casey nodded, his jaw clenched as he fought his tears "How… Charlie. We have to tell Charlie" said Casey and Brax stepped back both his hands resting on the back of his neck as he wondered how he was going to tell her. This shouldn't be happening

"She's already here" said Brax but before Casey could speak he continued "We need to get out there. You got your phone on you?"

Casey nodded and dug his phone from his pocket before passing it to Brax his hands still shaking

"I need to call Heath" said Brax

Heath and Bianca barreled into the hospital "Buckton, Ruby Buckton" Heath all but shouted at the nurse behind the desk

Before she could reply, Bianca placed her hand on his arm as she spotted Casey

"Heath, there's Casey"

Heath took no more than five steps to reach Casey "Where is she?" asked Heath searching his surroundings as if expecting Ruby to appear any second

Casey shook his head, his mouth opened but no words coming out. His hands were still trembling at his side "She…she…" he blinked rapidly "I don't know" he looked to his arms that still had blotches of her blood on them. Bianca pulled him to her, wrapping her arms around him. She blinked and her own tears fell from her face as Heath's face paled. Brax had been so short on the phone. When Heath had heard the words car accident, he had paled but seeing the blood that was now dried to Casey's shirt and his arms, he had to lean against the wall to keep himself steady

"Brax? Where is Brax"

Casey looked up at Heath, and blinked several times. It seemed it was taking him a few seconds before he could register questions addressed to him

"Charlie" he finally answered "He's in Charlie's room" he answered.

Heaths gaze widened and he pushed himself off the wall. Bianca stepped back

"Why does Charlie have a room?" she asked, panic over taking her

Once again, Casey blinked a few times before answering "She had a scare but she's fine" He didn't meet Bianca and Heath's gaze "Brax has to tell her" it seemed at the thought of this, the tremble in his hands increased "he has to tell her that Ruby…" he choked on the words, swallowing back his tears

Charlie squinted at Brax "Babe what's wrong?" she felt the hairs on her arm and on the back of her neck stand up in a way that didn't settle well with her. She could feel a tight knot forming in her stomach but she couldn't figure out why

"Is something wrong with Martha?"

Brax stared at her. Since seeing Ruby he had forgotten that Jack and Martha where in the hospital "No, err Jack hasn't been out to give us any news yet"

"Us?" Charlie squinted "Are the others here too"

Brax shook his head "No err… just Casey" the same image of Ruby's pale face invaded his mind and there must have been a shift in the look on his face because Charlie immediately pulled herself up on the bed

"Ok Brax, you need to tell me what's wrong. Was Doctor Williams lying, is there something wrong with the baby?" her hand instinctively went to her stomach as if trying to protect what was theirs

How could he explain that she was worrying over the wrong child? That although the child she carried at the moment was fine, her other was fighting for her life

Brax shook his head "No, the baby is fine" he took a firm hold of her hand, only proving to increase the anxiousness Charlie felt "I…" Brax clenched his jaw and blew out a shaky breath "Casey is here and so is Ruby"

Charlie squinted "Why?" Do they already know about Martha?" asked Charlie, she was clinging to straws

Brax shook his head "Babe… There was an accident"

Charlie's blue eyes dulled "What do you mean accident? With who?"

"Casey said there was a car. Apparently it was coming too fast. He didn't see it coming before Ruby…" he paused and blinked not wanting to cry, he needed to be strong

Charlie's skin went cold "Ruby?" she questioned "Before Ruby what, Brax?"

"Babe, she err… she pushed Casey out of the way. But the car it…" the walls seemed to close in; he could feel his palms sweating in hers "The car hit her"

Never had Brax seen colour drain from a person's face as quickly as it did Charlie's. Brax watched as Charlie shook her head, her whole body trembling. Before he could stop her she pushed off the bed, her head shaking aggressively as if trying to deny Brax's words

"Charlie…" Brax reached for her

"I want to see my daughter" demanded Charlie. Before Brax could grab a hold of her, she had swung the front door open and was running down the hallway

"Charlie…" Brax ran after her but stopped as he saw her stood, staring at Casey, Bianca and Heath

"Ruby, where is she?" asked Charlie, her gaze darting around their surrounding

Casey looked at her, wide eyed and Bianca stepped forward just as Charlie turned back to Brax

"I WANT TO SEE MY DAUGHTER" she yelled "WHERE IS SHE?" her eyes were already raw red, as tears gathered

Brax stepped to her slowly, and caught her just as her legs gave way underneath him. Holding her to his chest, he let her cry, her sobbing racking through the whole of her body

Jack stepped out into the hall, and dialled Heath's number. He knew Brax and Charlie could still be in the hospital but he didn't want to disturb them at that moment. Walking down the hallway as the phone rang; he frowned as he heard Heath's ringing tone before Heath, Bianca, Casey, Charlie and Brax came into view. He opened his mouth to speak but the looks on their faces made him pause

"Brax?" he called and they all looked up to him "What's going on?" his first thought had been that something had indeed been wrong with Charlie and the baby, but seeing Charlie in the hallway rather than in a hospital room had him second guessing himself

He watched as Heath stood and met him before he reached the rest

"Ruby was in an accident" said Heath, and Jack's mouth gaped in shock "She was hit by a car, man. She's in surgery"

"Thank you so much for looking after them Irene" said Cheryl as she walked down the stairs after having gotten, Caleb, Hope, Abi and Reece settled. All four kids had been suspicious as to why they were now spending the night at Irene's but she had managed to get them settled with the promise that if they all went to sleep she would take them all out the next day.

"It's no problem dear. Just let Charlie and Brax know Ruby is in my prayers. And please call when you get any news"

Cheryl nodded "I will do. Thanks again Irene" practically running out the door, she got into her car and drove in the direction of the hospital. She had to be there for her family

Banging on the door, Mick cussed loudly as he realised Cheryl really wasn't at home. Her missing car was the first clue but he had hoped maybe one of her boys had taken it. They needed to leave that night.

He turned to look at his car and growled loudly, at the cracked in his windscreen mirror "Stupid bitch" he muttered before getting into the car. He would be back for Cheryl but first thing was first; he needed to get rid of the car

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Thanks for the comments guys and so sorry for the long wait for this chapter. :)

CHAPTER TWENTY TWO

Banging on the door, Mick cussed loudly as he realised Cheryl really wasn't at home. Her missing car was the first clue but he had hoped maybe one of her boys had taken it. They needed to leave that night.

He turned to look at his car and growled loudly "Stupid bitch" he muttered before getting into the car. He would be back for Cheryl but first thing was first; he needed to get rid of the car

We're alert to every small thing around us, but hardly any of them ever register. Like the thud of each step passer byers take, the soft murmurs heard from private conversations, the sound of a clock ticking, or that of our heart beating. But then a time comes when it's all one can focus on, when the sound of the ticking clock is what gives you hope, the sound of people passing by is what lets you know the world still spins, the murmurs of those around you is how you acknowledge that you are in deed, awake

"Charlie" Brax looked down at her, her head in his chest, her fingers clutching his shirt. She hadn't moved nor stirred in the slightest from this position since she had broken down and Brax had maneuvered them to one of the plastic chairs

"Charlie" he ran his hand through her hair, his voice soft "We should get you back into bed" his gaze flicked to the double doors as they opened but like the past two hours it wasn't anyone with news for them

Charlie didn't reply to his request, simply shook her head; the first movement she had made

Brax, sighed, and blew out a breath. Charlie hadn't said a word since running out and screaming for Ruby, nobody had, not even the doctors or the nurses that were meant to be keeping them informed on what was going on

Brax opened his mouth to try and convince Charlie, that she needed to be resting. That had been what Doctor Williams had said, but he couldn't say the words. Whether here with him or lying in a bed, he knew the was no way she could rest, no one could

He looked up along with the rest of them as Jack, walked out of the room Martha was in. Knowing if Martha had seen them she would have guessed something was wrong, everyone had opted to waiting before visiting. Bianca had suggested it wouldn't be a good idea to let her know what was going on just yet and the guys had agreed

"How is she?" asked Bianca as Jack approached. She sat up, moving her head from where it had been placed on Heath's shoulder. She wanted to go see Martha but knew their was no way she or any of them would be able to hide from her what was going on

Jack nodded, giving a weak smile. He had been able to put up a front when he was with Martha, but coming out there and seeing everyone's face he couldn't bring himself to smile

"She's ok. Tired" he glanced at Charlie then at Casey before looking back at Bianca

"She was gonna try calling you guys but I convinced her to get some sleep. Said I would call you myself"

Bianca nodded

"Err… any news?" asked Jack and, Bianca shook her head

"Nothing" she replied before looking over at Charlie. Charlie's eyes were red raw, but wide as if she was afraid she would miss something. Her fingers clutched Brax's shirt, making the tips seem an angry red shade, and her face uncharacteristically pale.

Cheryl had arrived a while ago and was now sat beside Casey. She tapped her foot impatiently against the marble flooring before she turned her gaze to Casey and felt another lump of tears rise in her throat

He looked lost, as if he wasn't quite sure of why he was there. His normally bright brown eyes were dull, his face as pale as Charlie's. The blood on his shirt had tried and even thought her and Bianca had tried to talk him into changing, he refused, his gaze glued to the double doors, his hands clenched in fists at his side, waiting for news.

Cheryl startled a little as she felt a vibration against her leg. Pulling her phone from her pocket she frowned and gritted her teeth in frustration and anger. She didn't have time for him. Rejecting the call she switched her phone off, before resting her head on the wall behind her, it seemed this was going to be a long night

Some say time cures ones anger, obviously that person had never felt this type of anger. Brax looked up along with the others as heavy footsteps demanded their attention, and suddenly he felt his anger that had seemed to take a back seat, emerge again. His anger wasn't completely rational, he knew that, they weren't to know such a thing was going to happen but nothing he could do could stop it. They were meant to protect his family from things like this, from people like this

"Charlie"

Charlie looked up to see Watson and Phillips stood before her in their uniforms. Their gaze down cast, their hands clasped before them

"Charlie, we're so sorry about Ruby" said Watson. She noted Brax clenching his jaw but spoke nothing of it

Before Charlie could reply, Casey's voice was heard "She's gonna be fine" his voice quite

Watson nodded and glanced around at all the grim faces "Of course she will" she sighed, she wanted to wait but they had been given orders

"We know the last thing you want is us poking around but we err… we need to talk to Casey. It's important we get a statement of what happened and maybe some identification on the car that hit…" she paused, choosing her words carefully "That caused the accident"

"I can't leave the hospital" spoke Casey "I'm not leaving Ruby" he shook his head, his gaze not diverting from the double doors

Watson glanced at Phillips. They could tell him it was necessary or even mandatory but she wasn't willing to put such pressure on him. Officer Philips, nodded his head as if understanding the expression on Watson's face

"How about I go see if they have a room available that we can use" said Philips, before turning around and making his way over to the reception desk

Casey exhaled a deep breath, and glanced quickly at Heath who had insisted on coming in with him. Casey was grateful. He wasn't dumb, he knew telling them what happened would mean having to in some way relive it and no way was he willing to do that with no support

He stared at the off white walls, the single window in the room telling how dark it was outside

"We'll do our best to get through this as quickly as possible" said Watson "but you have to be sure to really think things through properly. It's important that we get as such information as possible in order to try and track down who did this"

Casey simply nodded; he wanted that more than anything

"Ok" Watson sat on a spare chair in the room, Phillips taking the other vacant seat. Casey slowly perched himself on the edge of the bed, his fists still balled up beside him as Heath stood next to him

"Start right from the beginning. How did you and Ruby get there and what happened?" Watson placed what Casey figured was a recording device on the table beside her, a pad in her hand

Casey blinked, his gaze turning away from the recording device as he looked out the window at the darkness, trying to see past the imagine of Ruby's body colliding against the windscreen of the car

Watson glanced at Phillips before she spoke "Just take your time Casey, we won't rush you"

Casey looked at her, his mouth opening but no words coming through. He subconsciously balled his fists tighter, his short nails digging into the palm of his hand, his arms now beginning to tremble

Knowing Casey was panicking, Heath moved to stand in front of him

"Hy" he held each side of Casey's face and lifted his head till he was looking at him "Hy"

Casey blinked up at him

"You can do this ok" said Heath, his voice firm and controlled "You can do this" he repeated

Casey remained unmoved for a moment before he finally gave a slow nod

Heath blew out a breath and stepped aside

Casey stared at Watson, his gaze flickering to Phillips before he turned back to Watson "I had been trying to call her for the best part of the day and then I finally found her on the beach…"

Watson and Philips were the first to walk out of the room. Brax looked up, unable to move as Charlie sat still clung to him, a word yet to leave her lips. He watched as Heath and Casey followed out of the room soon after

"When will we know if you've found anything?" asked Heath and Brax waited for Watson's response

"As soon as we find anything worth knowing, we'll let you know straight off the bat" replied Watson "As I said in there, we had a couple who had witnessed the accident and although they couldn't give us a detailed account of what happened we were able to get a good description of the vehicle; a description which matches that which Casey provided us with"

"So it should be easy to track the person down?" said Brax

Watson sighed "It's not that easy. We need to keep in mind that although this is a small town, a number of people could own a vehicle such as the one described. But in the meantime we are pulling all security cameras around that area to see if we can find anything that can help with our investigation"

Brax stared at her, and then turned his gaze away, the conversation dismissed. Watson exhaled before turning to Casey "You did good in there and we promise…" she addressed this part to everyone "we will find who ever is responsible" her gaze settled on Charlie who seemed oblivious to what was going on, he eyes fixed on the double doors

"We'll leave you guys" said Watson. She looked to Brax "We really do hope Ruby will pull through"

Sid walked slowly down the hallways his head bowed from exhaustion and anxiousness. He knew the wait had been too long but they hadn't had any good news to give, so he had concluded on not giving them any at all. But now, knowing he was about to approach them, he felt his throat dry up. Turing the corner he stopped behind the double doors, and peered at all their faces through the slim glass view. Taking a deep breath, he pushed the door opened slowly and stopped as all eyes landed on him

In all the times that the Braxton's had found themselves in the hospital, they had always ran towards him, eager for some sort of information. He had expected the same this time around but instead they all remained seated as if sensing the news he was about to deliver wasn't good. He watched Charlie as she blinked, tears pooling in the corner of her eyes, but refusing to fall. They all watched him, their faces drawn into themselves, their expression lacking any hope

Casey's voice caught him off guard

"You have to say something. Please" his voice trembled, the words just a little above that of a whisper

Sid swallowed the lump in his throat

"No one's been out to tell us anything" Casey spoke again "Just please"

"We err…" Sid glanced down at the ground beneath him and took a deep breath "She crashed a number of times during surgery, we were able to revive her all four times, but…" he paused

"But what?" asked Brax, he was aware of Charlie who was trembling against him, her grip somehow tightening

"She went very long periods of time with no oxygen going to the brain. We were able to stop the internal bleeding, and she is out of surgery but…" he shook his head

"She's out of surgery, so she's fine" asked Heath, his jaw clenching in apprehension

Sid shook his head "I'm really sorry guys but, Ruby is currently hooked on to a live support machine" he glanced at each one of them sorrowfully "I'm really sorry, but the chances of Ruby waking are slim"

For the first time in hours, Charlie moved. She shook her head against Brax's chest before she released her hold on him. She stared Sid in the face before standing to her feet "She will wake up" she spoke with aggression

Sid cocked his head, and sighed. He choose his words carefully "Although there is a slim chance she might wake, even then, because of the lack of oxygen that her brain received, she might lose many functions to her brain"

"Oh God…" Cheryl's hand flew to her mouth, Bianca and Heath sat wide eyed, while Casey felt the ground beneath him begin to spin

"NO" Charlie shouted, her hands trembling by her side "It's your job to make sure she wakes up" her whole body was trembling "It's your job to make her better. What use are you if you can't do your job and fix my baby"

Brax was on his feet, and tried to pull Charlie to him, but she pushed him back "NO" She stumbled back, her head shaking from side to side "Tell him he has to fix her"

"I'm really sorry guys. I wish I had better news to give"

"No" Charlie's nostrils flared as she approached Sid. Pushing against his chest "Go back in there and fix her. You have to"

Stepping forward Brax wrapped his arms around her, as she thrashed against him trying to break free

"He has to fix her" she cried "He has to fix my baby" she struggled a little longer before breaking down, her cry's piercing through the halls of the hospital

Brax held her to him, firmly, his face buried in her hair and unable to hold off any longer he cried along with her

Charlie's cry's suddenly stopped and she went limp in his arms, Brax looked down at her.

"Charlie" he shook her, a cold dread washing over him "CHARLIE" he shouted and quick, Sid was by his side

"We need a gurney here. NOW" Sid called and a number of nurses bounded towards them

Has they wheeled her into a room, Brax watched on anxiously as they settled her on the bed, and inserted a drip in her arm

"Whats going on with her?"

Sid turned to him "She's in shock, which is what caused her to faint. She should come to in a little over half an hour or so"

"Ruby" Brax blinked "Were is she?"

"She's in room 128. You guys can go in and see her whenever you're ready"

"I…" Casey swallowed hard, his eyes wide as he stared at Charlie on the bed "I…" before he could say another word, he ran out of the room

"Casey" Cheryl called after him but was stopped by Bianca

"I'll go" she said. She sniffed back her tears, blew out a shaky breath and followed the path tat Casey had left from

"The car" Brax spoke "What make was the car?"

Heath knew the question was addressed to him "From what Casey said, it was probably a D-Max Ute, white"

Brax nodded and stepped back from the bed, his gaze snapped to Cheryl as he heard her gasp. The look on her face had his blood run cold. He was almost too afraid to ask

"What?" he hissed

Cheryl's eyes pooled with fresh tears, her bottom lip trembling "Oh God"

"What?" asked Heath

"A white D-Max Ute" said Cheryl "Mick… he has" she glanced between Brax and Heath before her gaze landed on Charlie, who seemed to have drawn in on herself "Mick has a white D-Max Ute"

Brax blinked, his left eye twitching, his jaw clenching painfully. He remembered the night Mick had turned up at Cheryl's, an image of him walking back to his car came back to him

"Oh God" a tight sob escaped Cheryl's throat "He warned me"

"Warned you?" Brax's voice was low, but it held a threat within it

Cheryl nodded "Said if I didn't go back to the city with him he would come after you boys He warned me"

Heath's jaw clenched, is breath coming out fast "Casey" he turned to Brax "In his statement, Casey said the car was heading for him but Ruby pushed him out of the way

"A white D-Max Ute" said Brax, his breath catching as fresh tears dropped from his eyes. Before anyone could say a word, Brax ran from the room

"****" Heath exclaimed before running after Brax

Cheryl stood still in horror. 'She caused this' she thought to herself

Mick hit the steering wheel hard in frustration, their were no garages that were open and even then, the damage to the car who probably tip them off as to what had happened and that was the last thing he had wanted. He had been calling Cheryl but she hadn't picked any off his calls

It had been hours since he hit Ruby and he couldn't risk waiting any longer to get rid of the Ute. Picking his phone he dialled a number

"Trent" he said as the call was answered "Meet me on the outskirts of the national park, follow the road that comes off the caravan park. Bring a match and some gasoline, plenty. Don't ask any questions, just do as I say" dropping the call, he offered a quick glance around before starting the Ute
...
"Brax what the hell are you doing?" Heath held onto the handle of the car, trying to keep himself upright as Brax raced down each corner, each street "Brax you need to slow the **** down"

Heath gazed ahead of them unsure where Brax was heading, for neither of them had a clue where Mick had been staying or where to even begin to search for him

"Brax…" Heath called but stopped as the car came to a screech

Brax jumped out of the car, his steps pounding against the ground. Reaching the Summer Bay house, he thudding on the front door, his anger radiating through his fist

"Brax it's past four in the morning" hissed Heath but Brax paid him no heed

"Flaming struth"Alf swung the front door open "What in the…"

"Goes by the name Mick. Just over six foot tall, grey hair, goatee, wears a leather jacket, you seen him? Is he staying in one of your caravans?" demanded Brax

"Firstly I'm not obliged to give you that information"

Feeling himself losing grip on the little control he still had, Brax snared "HAVE YOU SEEN HIM?"

"Brax…" Heath tried to pull him back but Brax shrugged him off

"Ruby is lying in the hospital because of him, my pregnant wife is unconscious because of him so I ask again… have you seen him?"

Alf's eyes widened at Brax's words and he shook his head "Na I haven't seen him"

Not waiting a moment longer Brax turned on his heels.

Heath glanced at Alf "Sorry" before he ran after Brax

Jack walked back into the room, trying to keep himself calm. He cleared his throat and gave Martha a smile.

Martha frowned something was wrong as she knew it

"Did you find out what all that noise was about?" she asked but Jack simply looked at her. She squinted and spoke again "I could have sworn it sounded like Charlie before" still Jack didn't say a word. Now truly worried, Martha slowly pushed herself up the bed glancing at her baby boy before turning back to Jack

"Jack what's wrong?"

Jack ran his hand over his face and through his hair. He looked at her "They asked me not to tell you but…"

Martha cocked her head slightly "Who? Asked you not to tell me what?" her fear was that something was wrong with their baby boy. She hadn't been prepared for what Jack was about to say

"Babe, Ruby" Jack exhaled and sat down next to her bed "She was brought in earlier this evening. She was hit by a car"

Martha gasped "What?" she glanced at the door and remembered the screams of a woman she had thought sounded like Charlie

"That was Charlie before, wasn't it?"

Jack nodded "It's not looking good Martha"

Martha blinked back some tears "What do you mean?"

Jack shook his head "I just spoke to Bianca and they don't think she's going to make it out of this"

"Oh God" a tear fell down her cheek as Jack slipped his hand into hers. She glanced at her baby boy, he'd only been in her life a short while and yet she couldn't imagine anything ever happening to him

"Charlie. What about Charlie?" she asked

Jack grimaced "She fainted, they have her resting in one of the rooms"

Martha shook her head another tear falling "I want to see her"Jack shook his head, ready to protest but Martha spoke over him "She's my best friend Jack. I need to see her"

Jack and Martha both looked up as the door swung open

"I'm so sorry" said Cheryl, she didn't know where else to go "But you have to help. Brax…"

Brax we have been driving around for ages" said Heath "We've been to the motel and every other place possible. You need to get back to the hospital and be with Charlie" Heath turned to him "She shouldn't have to wake up without you there, Brax"

At his words, Heath noticed the car slowing till it came to a stop. He watched as Brax turned off the engine, both his hands resting on the wheel before it happened. Brax broke down; his shoulders shuddered aggressively, his jaw clenched as he cried.

"ARRG" Brax screamed, hitting his palm against the steering wheel repeatedly

Knowing he needed to get it all out, Heath sat quietly, watching as Brax continued to cry, his head now buried against the steering wheel

Finally after a long while, his sobs stopped, his head simply buried in-between his arms "Ruby...she wanted to go to the zoo for our next day out" said Brax he hissed "I teased her for so long about it" he shook his head

"We don't know that she won't wake up Brax, Sid didn't say…"

"And if she doesn't, how do we get past this? How is Charlie meant to get past this?" He thought of the twins "What do we tell Hope and…" before he could finish his sentences, flashing lights caught his attention and he lifted his head up and frowned

Heath turned his gaze to the smoke ahead of them "That looks like a fire"

Heath opened the door and stepped out of the car, Brax not far behind him. Walking towards to where the flame was coming from they noticed a car parked at the side of the road. Walking closer, Brax and Heath's steps haltered has a figure came into view

"No you need to get a couple of cars out now looking for them." Jack shouted down the phone "I promise you, if Brax gets to Mick before we do, Mick is a dead man" Jack dropped the phone, has he fired up the engine and sped out of the hospital car park. The thought of Mick dying pleased Jack to no end but the thought of Brax getting into trouble wasn't something he was willing to entertain. He had to find Mick before Brax and Heath did

Brax felt a vein throbbing in his head, as if trying to escape. His jaws clenched to the point where his nails were digging into his palm, His chest tightening against his lung "Mick" his voice was low and ice cold. He watched as Mick turned to them. Without registering the action, or his movements, Brax began to run, his feet pounding against the ground, moving so quickly it was as if they would leave the rest of him behind

He vaguely heard someone calling his name; the screech of a car and he could see Micks lips moving, just before the impact. His arm swung back only to make contact with Micks face. He felt the crunch beneath his knuckles but it only proved to surge him on. Mick was trying to fight him off, that much he was aware of but he hadn't even started yet. Bending his arm, he swung his elbow into Micks face, sending him crashing to the ground. Blood, he could see plenty blood, but all he could think of, was Ruby's pale face as they wheeled her into the hospital on the gurney, Charlie as she went limp in his arms.

Bending to his knees, he swung his arms back in a rhythm, his anger somewhat ebbing with each contact. He was aware of arms going around him, pulling him away from his target but each time he fought back and carried on with his assault. All at once everything seemed to be going in slow motion, the arm that was trying to grab him was pulling him away as he tried to remove himself from the persons grip. Slowly, he began to fall out of his dazed faze

"BRAX"

He registered the voice as Heath's

"Brax stop" Heath stared wide eyed at Mick who lay blooded on the ground, his eyes barely open, and his face already swelling "You're going to kill him. You need to stop"

Everything came into focus for Brax, and he glared at Micks form, till his gaze lowered to his hand. Blood covered his knuckles. He heard the sound of a car door shutting, and footsteps moving in on them quickly

Glancing to his side he realised it was Jack

"****" spat Jack

Brax looked down at Mick who lay on the ground unmoving

"What the hell have you done, Brax?" Jack ran his hand though his hair as the three of them stared down at Mick's blooded face

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  • 3 weeks later...

Thanks for the comments guys. Appreciate every single one of them. Enjoy :)

CHAPTER TWENTY THREE

"Brax stop" Heath stared wide eyed at Mick who lay blooded on the ground, his eyes barely open, and his face already swelling "You're going to kill him. You need to stop"

Everything came into focus for Brax, and he glared at Micks form, till his gaze lowered to his hand. Blood covered his knuckles. He heard the sound of a car door shutting, and footsteps moving in on them quickly

Glancing to his side he realised it was Jack

"S**t" spat Jack

Brax looked down at Mick who lay on the ground unmoving

"What the hell have you done, Brax?" Jack ran his hand though his hair as the three of them stared down at Mick's blooded face

"Casey, we can wait a little longer if you want" said Bianca. She placed her hand on his arm but Casey shook his head

She shouldn't be alone. I should be with her" but his feet refused to move any further towards her door "She shouldn't be alone" he repeated

Bianca nodded but remained stood beside him. In all honesty, Bianca wasn't sure she was ready either but she had to do this. Neither Charlie nor Brax would want Ruby alone and Casey needed this

"I'm ready" said Casey "But could I… just for a moment" he exhaled "Could I just see her alone for a moment"

Bianca nodded and stepped back "I'll be out here if you need me"

Casey stared at the door, taking a deep breath before placed his hand on the door handle. Turning the handle, he pushed on the door softly. No amount of warning, no amount of preparation could have prepared, Casey for what he was about to see

He stood, unable to move from the foot of the door. He could feel his chest constricting around his lungs as he peered at her.

"Ruby" he whispered and a tear fell from his eye. His eyes slowly roamed the space around her. He though he had seen a number of machines when Brax had been in hospital and even when the twins had been in intensive care but he had never seen anything like this. There was a large machine at the right hand side of her bed, a tube in her throat, two smaller machines one on each side of her bed and more wires attached to her arm and chest than he cared to count

Slowly he closed the door behind him and moved closer to her bed "Ruby" her name was a mere whisper from his lips. His gaze trailed over her pale face, her curls

"I'm so sorry Rubes" he lifted his hand, running it through her hair "I am so sorry. Just please wake up so I can show to you how much I love you"

His shoulders shook as he wrapped his arms around her as best he could before he cried

Brax sat still in the back of the police car that he had been lead to. Watson and some others had arrived shortly after Jack. He looked out the window at Heath who seemed to be shouting at one of the officers

"Can't this wait till later" groaned Heath "His wife and daughter are in hospital"

"Makes no difference Mr Braxton; your brother will be taken to the station and questioned. Assault isn't something that is taken lightly, especially not when the victim as to be taken to hospital"

"Victim" Heath pushed his hand through his hair; he wanted nothing more than to punch this guy square in the face "He put his daughter, my niece in the hospital. He isn't a victim"

The officer sighed, making Heath want to punch him the more "We don't know for sure that he is responsible for anything yet"

Heath cocked an eyebrow and shouted "How the hell did you become an officer because you're clearly stupid. You're telling me that Mick, just happened to own a white D-Max Ute, the same described as the one that caused the accident and for no reason what so ever he just thought to light it up in flames"

Before the officer could speak again, Jack showed up at Heath's side "Jackson don't worry I'll deal with it from here"

The officer nodded but not before passing Heath a glare

Jack sighed "Heath, you can't go switching on these guys. They're on your side here"

Heath chuckled bitterly "Yeah" he nodded towards where Brax sat in the back of the police car "Seems like it"

"I'm gonna go with him to the station. I'll sit in on the interview but you need to get back to the hospital. Bianca, Martha and Casey know Brax was out looking for Mick .They need to know what is going on"

Heath sighed, Bianca had been blowing up his phone, but he had ignored her calls not wanting to worry her. Heath nodded "How much trouble is he gonna get in for this?"

Jack exhaled "I honestly don't know Heath, but I'm thinking it's not going to be good" Jack turned around as Watson called for him. He turned back to Heath "You do know they will most likely be calling you in to give a statement"

Heath nodded, he was surprised they weren't ordering him down to the station right this minute "Yea, I figured"

Jack nodded "I'm gonna head down there with Brax, could you let Martha know"

Heath nodded "Yea" Walking over the were Brax was sat, he leaned his hand against the door as Brax spoke

"Stay with Charlie till I can get there, and get someone in Ruby's room with her. She shouldn't be alone"

Heath nodded "You got it" He pulled away as Watson approached

"We have to go"

Bianca knocked on the door, before peering through. She wiped at her eyes and gave a small smile "Hy"

Martha looked up "Hy"

"Jack said he's told you"

Martha nodded "Yeah"

Bianca walked over to the baby basket at the side of Martha's bed. Peering into it she gave a genuine smile "Hy little man" she chuckled as she stroked his cheek only for him to grip onto her finger "Oh you are gonna be a strong little man aren't you" she glanced up at Martha "So sorry we didn't come in earlier, we just didn't want to worry you"

Martha shook her head "No, I get it"

Bianca looked back down at the baby boy "Can I hold him?" she asked and Martha nodded

"Like you even have to ask"

Bianca smiled before carefully picking the baby boy up "Hy" Bianca smiled down at the baby "Aren't you just the most handsome baby ever" she grinned as he took a hold of her finger again "Yes you are" she looked up at Martha "Do you guys have a name for him yet?"

Martha nodded "Oliver James Holden"

Bianca smiled kindly "Oliver James" she looked down at the baby "hello Oliver, I'm your aunt Bianca" she sighed and looked up at Martha

"Charlie, how is she?" asked Martha

"Still out of it but Sid isn't worried. He said she'll be up soon"

"And Ruby?" Martha asked, holding her breathe

Bianca shook her head "No change" she pursed her lips as she thought of Ruby, remembering her as the little girl that had followed her and Martha around when they would go to visit Charlie in the city. She cocked her head "It's not looking good Martha"

"Where's Brax?" asked Casey, he had been to ask Bianca if she had heard anything on Brax and Heath. He and Bianca had seen Brax race out of the hospital, Heath following him. Entering the hospital, Jack had filled them in on what was going on before he too raced out of the hospital. Casey glanced behind Heath, not seeing Brax he looked at Heath "Where is he?"

Heath sighed "At the station"

"What?" Casey swallowed hard "Please tell me he didn't…" Before Casey could finish his question, loud chatter caught his attention and his eyes widened as he realised the person being pushed in on the gurney was Mick. He could barely recognise him, his face was blooded, blue and swollen and he was clearly unconscious. Casey followed Mick's image till they wheeled him around the corner and he was no longer in sight

Blowing out a breath, Casey found himself hoping Mick didn't wake, he deserved everything he got, he thought to himself till another thought came to mind

"Brax?" he stared at Heath "Did Brax do that?"

Heath nodded "Yea, and I would have let Brax finish him off if not for the fact that it would do Charlie, Ruby you and the twins more harm than good if Brax was behind bars" Heath clicked his tongue "How is Charlie. Is she awake yet?"

Casey stared at him and shook his head "Not sure. She wasn't the last time Bianca went in to check on her"

Heath frowned, as he peered down at Casey's bloody shirt. Knowing that it was Ruby's blood made him uncomfortable and slightly nauseous "Casey how about you get out of that shirt"

Casey shook his head "I can't leave Ruby"

"Have you been to see her"? Asked Heath and he swore Casey stopped breathing "Case?"

"She looks so small" said Casey, he clicked his tongue and looked back down the doors that they had carried Mick through "I wish Brax had killed him" he spoke, his tone cold before he turned from Heath "I'm going back to Ruby"

Heath stared after Casey, just as Bianca came down the hall.

"Heath" she called. Her eyes full of worry as she rushed over to him "Where's Brax?" she asked, searching his face

Heath closed his eyes a moment and blew out a deep breath "At the station"

Bianca gasped and shock her head "Please don't tell me he's gone and done something stupid"

Heath chuckled once in frustration "If beating Mick senseless is what you class as stupid then unfortunately yeah, he has done something stupid"

Bianca cocked her head and exhaled "How bad?" she asked

Heath clicked his tongue "Bad enough that Mick is here in the hospital right now"

"Oh God" Bianca ran her hand through her hair "What's gonna happen to Brax now?" she wasn't going to spout things about him needing to have more control of his anger. She could only imagine what she would be capable of doing if it had been Reece or Abi fighting for their life in a hospital bed

Heath shrugged "I honestly don't know" he stared ahead of him and Bianca placed a hand on his chest "Babe, you ok?"

Heath turned his gaze to her "I didn't stop him immediately" he said and Bianca frowned

"What do you mean?"

"Brax" said Heath "When he started beating on Mick, I didn't stop him straight away. I just watched for a moment and I swear I would have let him finish Mick off, if I thought he would have gotten away with it. It took all I had not to throw a few punches myself"

Bianca pursed her lips and wrapped her arms around his waist "He's hurt our family. No one can begrudge you or Brax for wanting to hurt him"

Heath clenched his jaw "Yea well, somehow I don't think the cops are gonna see it that way" he sighed and shock his head "Is Charlie awake yet?"

Bianca shook her head "I was just going to sit in with her now"

Heath nodded "Ok. Brax didn't want her or Ruby alone, so…" he blinked a few times and Bianca could see he was fighting back tears

"It's alright to be upset or even angry Heath. We all know, Charlie and Ruby mean as much to you as they do to Brax and Casey"

Heath looked up at the ceiling, his jaw clenched "Elise and Ross did so much for us, they gave us so much and we can't even keep their kids safe" he ran one hand over his mouth

Bianca pursed her lips and buried her head in his chest, trying to comfort him "They will know that you guys are doing your very best"

Heath wrapped his arms around Bianca. Taking the comfort she was offering. He thought back to the coldness in Casey's voice just before he left and the aggression in Brax as he lay into Mick. "Ruby has to be ok, they both have to be ok" If they weren't, he wasn't sure anyone of them would ever be the same

"How much longer are they gonna keep me here?" asked Brax as Jack walked into the interview room

Jack placed a plastic cup of water in front of Brax "I'm not sure. They know who I am to you guys, so no way will they tell me anything"

"I've answered all their questions" Brax drummed on the desk impatiently "If they're not gonna charge me they should let me go. I need to be at the hospital"

"Brax" Jack sighed "This is serious. If you get charged for this, you could go to prison" Jack waited for a reaction but Brax gave nothing "If Mick decides to press charges this won't be good and even without that you could still do time" still nothing from Brax. Glancing at the door, Jack sat down

"Brax…" before he could say another word Brax looked up at him and spoke

"I don't regret it. If I get sent down I'll be sorry that Charlie and Ruby and the twins will have to cope without me for a while but I won't regret it. The only regret I have is that I didn't get the chance to finish him off" he clicked his tongue as Constable Jones entered the room

Thompson stood to his face, and stepped back from the table

Thompson the officer that had conducted the interview stopped at the table and stood in front of Brax "You do know how serious what you did tonight is?"

"Do you have kids?" asked Brax as he looked up at Thompson

Thompson frowned "Mr Braxton…"

Brax shock his head "Do. You. Have. Kids?" he asked slower this time

Thompson sighed and nodded "Yea, two girls and a boy"

Brax cocked his head, and looked up at him "Right, so you and every person in this station can think what they want but God forbid, if you ever saw one of your daughters or son lying helpless, and blooded, if you ever get told that she or he most likely will di…" he cleared his throat "won't make it. If your pregnant wife faints in your arms because you might lose your daughter or son and then you find out that it was no accident. You find out that someone did that to you, to your family on purpose, what would you do when you came face to face with that person?" Brax clenched his jaw "Would you be able to keep calm and just cuff them? and wait for the police to arrive" Brax searched Thompson face, which had now hardened "You can lecture me all you want but that look on your face says it all" he sat back on his chair

Jack glanced between Thompson and Brax before he stepped forward "What's going to be happening with Brax tonight?"

"Well we just got a confirmation call from the hospital. Apart from a minor concussion, a severely broken nose and a few bruises, Mick will be just fine"

"So you guys are gonna bring him in?" asked Brax

"We're going to bring him in, in the morning for questioning. We don't know for sure that he was behind the hit and run, we…"

Brax cut him off, as he stood to his feet "I'm not staying here and listening to this" he glared at Thompson "Don't bull**** me. You know as much has everyone else that he did this"

"We are obligated…"

Brax chuckled bitterly "I swear I hate the way you people throw that word around. How about you show your obligations to my daughter, to my wife who is your colleague and arrest him"

"It's not that simple Mr Braxton"

Brax shook his head and let out a breath "You keeping me in for the night or not, because if you are I would like to call my brother and check on my wife and daughter"

Thompson sighed "We're letting you go for the night, Mr Braxton. But you are not permitted to leave the country at any time."

Brax shot him a look of disgust "Oh well, that's unfortunate because with everything going on I was just about to head home and book a flight right out of here" shooting him a glare, Brax walked out of the interview room, Jack close behind him. Not saying a word, Jack opened up his car and he and Brax stepped in, before he headed back to the hospital

Opening her eyes slowly, Charlie glanced around the room, her eyes squinting against the un-natural light

"Hy"

She turned to see Bianca sat beside her

"Thank God you're awake" Bianca leaned forward, her hands on the bed "You had us worried for a moment there" she glanced back at the door "Heath has been here with me, he only just stepped out now"

Charlie frowned "What am I…" She paused and Bianca could see everything that had happened that night playing back in Charlie's eyes

"Ruby" Charlie whimpered as she pushed herself up "Where is Ruby?"

Her eyes panicked and Bianca stood to her feet

"Charlie…" she placed her hand on Charlie's arm "You need to calm down, ok"

Charlie shook her head and swung the off white sheet off her body "I need to see Ruby" she swung her legs off the side of the bed just as the door opened

Brax and Heath stepped into the room. Catching the look on Bianca's face, Heath nodded towards the door and Bianca sighed, dropping her hand from Charlie's arm before she stepped out of the room

Brax stepped to the bed "I'm so glad you're ok"

Charlie peered at him; his blood shot eyes, his un-usually pale face

"Ruby" she spoke, her arms clenching the sheets beside her. She remembered Sid's words and had to fight back the nauseous feeling enveloping her "She…" Charlie shook her head, her bottom lip trembling as her eyes pooled with tears. Before she could say another word, Brax pulled her to him, her head buried in his chest, his hands buried in her hair, her arms clutching the back of his shirt tightly "My baby" she mumbled through her tears

Brax held her, simply comforting her and trying to find some comfort in her

Brax felt her hand tremble in his as they stopped outside the door

"I'm right here Charlie, I'm right here" he gave her hand a tight squeeze and blew out a breath. Using his free hand he turned the handle on the door, slowly pushing it open.

Two small steps forward and they were in the room, both frozen not far from the door.

Charlie whimpered, her free hand flying to her mouth, to cover her cry. She shook her head as she looked at Ruby, surrounded by countless machines

"I can leave and give you guys some space"

Charlie hadn't noticed Casey till he spoke, but upon peering at him; she noted he looked as bad as Brax had. His face pale, his eyes red and swollen. She turned back to look at Ruby and shook her head

"Stay" she said. Dropping Brax's hand she slowly stepped to the bed, her gaze flickering from one machine to the other, before it settled on Ruby.

She had a couple of needles stuck into her arm, attached to tubes which were attached to machines. She looked up at she machine that seems to be monitoring, Ruby's heart rate and figured that most be the life support Sid had mentioned. Charlie's gaze settled on the thick tube going down Ruby throat and a tear fell

"Hy baby" she stroked her hand through Ruby's curls "It's been an eventful night hasn't it" she tired for a smile but nothing came. She glanced up at the figures on the machine before her before looking back down at Ruby "I know you've had quiet the evening and you must be really tired but I need you to do something for me ok. I really desperately need for you to wake up and prove Sid and all these other doctors wrong" she moved her hand from Ruby's hair to her cheek "You think you can do that for me?"

Brax blinked rapidly, he wouldn't let his tears fall. He wouldn't let his desperation and anger show, not in front of Charlie. He had to be strong for the both of them

She had been sat in a corner outside for a while, but now Cheryl ventured back into the hospital. Her mind kept spinning with different thoughts; thoughts of anger, thoughts of despair but most of all thoughts' of guilt. Not paying attention to the where she was going she stopped abruptly as she bumped into someone

"Sorry I wasn't paying attention" she said and looked up to see she had bumped into a cop. She frowned and figured they must be there for another reason as they had already been to question Casey. Then her stomach dropped 'Was it Brax? Did he find Mick?' just as the question passed her mind, she felt every nerve in her body fire up as Mick came into sight, being wheeled out of the hospital

"You bastard" she snared as she pounced forward but before she could get to him a pair of arms wound around her body and pulled her back "Let go of me" she thrashed, trying to get out of the persons grip, not even looking back to see who it was

"I'm going to kill you, I swear" she shouted at Mick, still trying to escape from the persons grip

"Mum calm down" Heath spoke calmly as he held onto her. He watched as the two officers assigned to Mick stood guard probably ready to take Cheryl down.

"Either you calm down miss, or we will have to arrest you"

"He's the one that needs arresting" she shouted. She snared as Mick open his eyes "I swear by everything good in my life, if you do not go down for this I will kill you myself"

Seeing the look on both officers face, Heath quickly picked her up, but stopped for a moment to look at Mick

"And if she doesn't kill you, I will" he clenched his jaw before walking away, still holding onto a shrugging Cheryl. Rounding the corner he placed her firmly on the ground

Cheryl stood still, her back to Heath for a moment "I did this" she spoke. She closed her eyes firmly, willing herself not to cry "He came here because of me. He did this because of me" a quiet sob escaped her as she turned to Heath "If Ruby doesn't make it through this, I will never forgive myself"

Heath sighed and pulled Cheryl into a hug "This isn't your fault mum. Not even in the slightest"

"You sure you up to this?" asked Jack as Martha lowered herself into the wheel chair he had brought in. He hovered close to her

Martha let out a breath as she sat in the chair "Yea. I need to be there for her"

Jack nodded, and took hold of the back of the wheelchair as he began wheeling her from the room. "Err… she and Brax are in with Ruby at the moment"

Martha nodded quietly. She let out a breath as they stopped outside the room "Is it alright for more than two people to be in the room?" she asked Jack

Jack nodded "I already checked with Sid" he held one hand out and pushed the door open slowly before wheeling Martha into the room

Jack wasn't sure what he had expected but it sure wasn't this. So many different machines were crowded around a tiny looking Ruby

Martha clasped her hand over her mouth, not wanting to cry or make this any worse. She pealed her gaze from Ruby and looked at Charlie who slowly looked up at her

"I'm so sorry" Martha pursed her lips as Jack wheeled her closer to Charlie, his eyes glancing back over to Ruby 'Maybe he should have let Brax finish Mick off' he thought to himself

Martha placed her hand over Charlie's unsure what to say. What words could possibly make her or Brax or Casey feel better about this?

"I just need to get some air" said Casey not making eye contact with anyone as he walked out of the room

Jack's gaze followed him for a moment before he turned back to Brax "Any update yet?"

Brax blinked and shook his head

Charlie glanced down at Martha's stomach and she slowly remembered that Brax had mentioned that she had gone into labour

"You've had the baby" she spoke her voice quiet and weak

Martha nodded "Yea" she didn't want to elaborate. Nobody would want to talk about the birth of a baby when their own child was fighting for their life

"Boy or girl?" asked Charlie, she needed something to take her mind off what was going on.

Martha looked at Charlie unsure, before she answered anyway "A boy"

Charlie nodded and tried to give a small smile, she looked up at Jack "Looks like you got that little boy you wanted"

Jack nodded, happy for him and Martha but the saddens he felt over Ruby preventing him from smiling properly "Looks like it"

"You got a name?" this time it was Brax who spoke

Jack nodded "Oliver James"

Charlie tried for another smile "It really is a lovely name" she glanced at Ruby before peering at Martha "You should be with your baby boy, I don't want you to feel…"

Martha cut her off, squeezing her hand lightly "He's fine; he as all the nurses fussing over him. Right now, my best friend needs me"

Charlie pursed her lips, her eyes glazing over as she nodded. Jack stepped to Brax, placing a hand on his shoulder

It was now past seven in the morning and Martha had been instructed to get some sleep. Being noted that everyone couldn't spend the night in Ruby's room, Bianca and Heath had only just left the hospital, knowing they would soon have to go pick the kids up from Irene's. No one had spoken about what they would tell the kids or how

Charlie glanced up at Casey, she hadn't heard a word from him and she watched him as he watched Ruby, his gaze unblinking. Brax had hold of one hand so she stretched out her free hand and clasped Casey's hand

The unexpected gesture had Casey looking up, his red eyes now peering at Charlie. He nodded reading into the words she was saying with her eyes

"Ruby will be ok"

He closed his eyes and blew out a breath, trying to block out the doubt in his head 'Will she though'

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Thanks for the comments guys. Enjoy :)

CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR

Charlie glanced up at Casey, she hadn't heard a word from him and she watched him as he watched Ruby, his gaze unblinking. Brax had hold of one hand so she stretched out her free hand and clasped Casey's hand

The unexpected gesture had Casey looking up, his red eyes now peering at Charlie. He nodded reading into the words she was saying with her eyes

"Ruby will be ok"

He closed his eyes and blew out a breath, trying to block out the doubt in his head 'Will she though'

"Hy" Heath handed Brax a coffee as Brax, opened his eyes. Looking around the room, Brax noticed Casey and Charlie were now asleep, both with their heads on Ruby's bed

"What time is it?" he asked as he took the plastic cup from Heath

"Just gone ten" replied Heath "Irene's volunteered to take the kids out for the day. Bianca is just getting some shut eye. She'll be here soon"

Brax nodded "Did they seem ok?" referring to the twins

Heath shrugged "In all honesty they were all a bit quiet, even Hope" he smiled a little "I t was as if they knew something wasn't right. Hope and Abi asked after mum, they thought she would be taking them to the park today. But Bianca made some excuse" he replied. He glanced at Ruby and had to stop himself from visibly wincing

"Where is mum?" asked Brax

"Outside, she refused to go home yesterday" Heath sighed. His gaze fell on Charlie, shifted to Casey before it landed on Ruby "She's convinced herself all this is her fault"

Brax didn't speak. His gaze fell on Ruby and he closed his eyes and blew out a breath. He remembered how Charlie had felt after the whole grant fiasco. "It's not her fault" he simply stated and Heath nodded

"I Know" he exhaled "How they coping?"

Brax blinked several times, as if contemplating his answer, but coming up short he shrugged slowly "I don't know. We kinda just sat here all night, didn't really talk" he replied. The only time he had moved was to get Charlie and Casey something to drink. Charlie being pregnant, made it so that he made sure even if she refused to eat, she was drinking. Brax glanced down at the bag in Heath's hand

"What'd that?" he asked not looking up to Heath

"Some clothes" replied Heath "Figured you guys would want to change plus…" he looked at Casey "he needs to get out of that shirt, I…" he stopped and Brax nodded, he too had finding it hard knowing it was Ruby's blood on Casey's shirt

"But err… leave them to sleep for a little while, they haven't been asleep long" said Brax

Heath nodded "Yea, no worries"

Brax leaned forward, his elbow resting on his tight, as he ran his hand over his face "You say mum is outside?" he asked and Heath nodded

Slowly, Brax stood to his feet "Just stay with them for me" he said to Heath who nodded

Walking out of the room, Brax exhaled and stood for a minute. That night had been the longest and having to sit and just watch the look of desperation on Casey and Charlie's faces had him wanting to tear the walls down with his bare hands

He looked up and spotted Cheryl immediately.

She sat hunch back, on one of the plastic chairs, her eyes smaller than he had ever seen; visible bags were evident under her eyes and her skin looked pale. A frustrated and fearful look was settled on her face as she stared down at her hand that lay in her lap

Walking over to where she sat, he wordlessly took up the seat beside her

Cheryl looked up, to find it was Brax who had sat beside her. Her eyes widened slightly, her body tensing in preparation for the words he would surely unleash on her. This was her doing and as a result his family was in despair

"I…" she shook her head nd began to speak after he still hadn't spoken, but before she could begin, she felt Brax slip his hand into hers and squeeze

"I really need you right now" he spoke so quietly, Cheryl hadn't been sure she had heard right, then, Brax continued "I can't hold this... everyone up alone, not this time" his hand slipped out of her's and he ran both his hands over his face "I really need you right now" he spoke again, his voice breaking at the end and before he could stop himself, Brax started crying. His hands over his face as he cried into them

Cheryl sat in shook for a split second, before she pulled him to her. She held him to her and he cried and she had to fight her own tears. The last time she could remember seeing Brax cry he had been eight and now her he was coming to her for comfort. In that moment she let go of guilt and everything else, she was gonna be there for him and forget herself

"I want daddy" said Hope, her green eyes looking up at Bianca.

Coming out of the spell of thoughts she had been under, Bianca looked down at, Hope. Irene had just dropped them off from the park as she had had to go into work

"Daddy is busy at the moment sweetheart. I promise you can see him later"

"What bout mummy?" asked Caleb. Bianca hadn't even seen him stood beside Hope. She cleared her foggy head, knowing she had to concentrate on the kids

"Mummy is busy as well little guy" she replied "How would you guys like to watch a film. Any one you want?" she tried to distract them but it seemed a lost cause, as Hope and Caleb stood unmoving, their eyes sad

"We too see mummy and daddy when it dark and it night time?" asked Hope

Bianca knew the twins were asking if they could be spending the night in their own beds that night, but she didn't know

"Well mummy and daddy might be busy so maybe you could have a sleep over with Reece and Abi" she smiled down at them

"No" Caleb shook his head "Casey and Wuby said we can build a fort in the night because we is going back to kinddi tomowo" said Caleb

Hope nodded "Yea we to go home or we no get to do it and Wuby, pwomise to do my hair like hers" Hope ran her ran through her hair just as Bianca cleared her throat

That wouldn't be happening tonight and maybe not even ever but how was she gonna do this. Thankfully her phone ran and she stood to answer it. Seeing it was Brax's number flashing on the screen she picked it up

"Hy" she said "Any changes?" she asked hopefully

Brax shook his head although, Bianca couldn't see him "No" he cleared his throat "The kids, how are they?" he asked

Bianca glanced down at the twins who had returned to playing with Reece and Abi "Honestly they are quiet. They were just asking for you and Charlie and…"

"And what?" asked Brax

"They were saying that Ruby and Casey promised to build a fort with them tonight" she shook her head "I didnt know what to say to them" she glanced at them again "It's like they know something isn't right. Hope has been so quiet an gentle and Caleb as barely said two words before he asked for you guys"

Brax pinched the bridge of his nose "Err… tell them, I'll be round later"

Bianca frowned "Are you sure, Brax?"

"Yea" replied Brax "I err I have to go but Bianca… thank you for this"

Bianca shook her head "I'm not doing anything"

After Brax dropped, she noticed the twins looking in her direction and she smiled "Daddy is gonna be here later" she spoke cheerfully and a grin broke out on Hope and Caleb's face

Charlie stirred and her eyes blinked open. However even sleep hadn't made it possible for her to forget what was going on. Her gaze immediately landed on Ruby and nothing had changed, she looked just as she had done all through that night

"Hy"

She glanced up to see Casey sat, no expression on his face. She looked down at his shirt and almost cried in relief to find he had changed out of that blooded shirt

"Anyone been yet?" she asked

Casey shook his head, both his hands clasping one of Ruby's "No not yet"

As if on cue, the door opened and Sid walked in closely followed by Brax, Cheryl and Heath. Sid passed them a sympathetic smile but didn't bother asking how they were doing, an action Charlie was most thankful for because she didn't think she could bring herself to say she was fine under the circumstances

"I err just wanted to talk to you guys for a moment" said Sid and Charlie along with everyone else felt their stomach plummet to their feet. Brax slowly walked over to Charlie's' side

"What about?" asked Brax

"Ruby" replied Sid "Given the severity of her situation, there is very little we can do but wait. If you guys are willing, I have arranged from a specialist from the city to come and have a look at her. Doctor Anderson is the best I know in the field and I called him this morning explaining Ruby's current situation. Although her case is more sever than any he has ever dealt with, He has agreed to come and run a few tests"

Brax frowned "And these tests, what exactly are they for?" he glanced at Ruby before looking back at Sid "Will it help find a way to wake her up or…"

Sid exhaled "Not necessarily. Doctor Anderson as been working on a type of test that show different things can trigger brain activity and wake comatose patients up. Although these tests have never been tried on patients with injuries as severe as Ruby's, Doctor Anderson is willing to come and see if it could be worth a try"

"And this could work?" asked Charlie "It could wake her up? Get her off the life support machine?"

"Guys I have to be clear on this" said Sid "At this stage it is basically a trail. Ruby's state is very sever and there is a very likely chance that this won't work, but we want to make sure we exhaust all possible options"

Everyone including Sid tried to ignore the unspoken words at the end of his sentence 'Before we look into turning off the life support'

"But there is still a chance it could help some?" asked Casey

"That's what we are hoping for" answered Sid "Now I don't know the full details of these trails so when Doctor Anderson arrives I will have him come in to see you guys"

They all nodded and Sid quietly left the room

Charlie turned to Ruby, leaning forward she ran her hand through her hair "You hear that, someone's gonna come help you" she spoke softly. She closed her eyes and exhaled as Brax's hand landed on her shoulder. She leaned her face into his touch and noticed they seemed more callous than usually. Turning to look down at them, she blinked but the bruises were still there. She knew the moment Brax realised she had noticed, because he peeled his hand away and tucked it into his pocket as if that would allow her unseen what she had already seen. Slowly she looked up at him, question in her eyes

Noticing the exchange between Charlie and Brax, Cheryl spoke up "How about you go to the canteen and get some food. You're eating for two" she added as Charlie went to protest "You have to look after yourself and the baby. I'll be here with Ruby, I promise"

Charlie nodded and slowly stood to her feet "I won't be long" she spoke to Ruby before leaning forward and placing a kiss on her forehead. She looked over at Casey "Why don't you come with me?"

Casey shook his head "I'd rather just stay here" he replied and Charlie frowned, she may have been concentrating on Ruby but she knew in all the time they had been in that room he hadn't so much as even drank one of the drinks Brax or Heath had brought in for them. Not wanting to push him she nodded as she glanced up at Brax

"We'll bring you something back" said Brax and Casey nodded and gave a small smile

"Thanks"

Following Charlie out of the room, Brax linked his hand in hers as they walked in silence. Before they could reach the canteen, Charlie stopped and Brax frowned

"What's wrong?" he asked

"You hand?" Charlie turned to face him, her gaze cast downwards, looking at his hands. She lifted the hand he had entwined in hers "What happened?" she asked softly

Brax had wanted to tell her later, not now, but she was asking. Not saying a word, he led her to some chairs he spotted and motioned for her to sit

Charlie sat down, her gaze never straying from his. He looked different than she had ever known him to look, more angry and exhausted

"What did you do, Brax?" she asked again, her hand still in his

"When err… Casey, when he gave his statement he mentioned the Ute that was responsible"

"Ute?" asked Charlie "It was a Ute" she mumbled and Brax nodded

"Yea. It was a D-Max Ute. White" he explained "Then when mum heard she told us that Mick, he drives one. A D-max Ute"

Charlie blinked and sat unspoken for a while. Had it not been for Brax and Heath's obsession with cars she might not have known what a D-Max Ute looked like, but she did. She remembered it had been what Mick had been driving that first day she had Jack had pulled him over for speeding, it had been the same Ute she had seen him in countless time since then

"This wasn't an accident?" she asked, much calmer than she felt

Brax clicked his tongue and shook his head "I think he was aiming for Casey before Ruby pushed Casey out of the way"

Silence. Charlie needed it, as she digested the information. She was tired and exhausted and was unsure if she had anymore tears left in her

"Mick did this to my baby" she spoke eventually "Where is he now?"

"Police said they were gonna question him today so I'm thinking police station"

Charlie nodded slowly and clearing the fog in her head she remembered Brax's hand. Looking at his other hand she noticed that on looked just as bad, if not worse

"And you hand?"

"I lost it" replied Brax honestly "I went out looking for him and I wanted to kill him. I was going to kill him"

Charlie quickly realised his hand was trembling in her. She squeezed tightly

"We caught him coming out of the path leading up to the national park" Brax chuckled bitterly "he had set the Ute on fire, trying to get rid of the fact that he…" he paused and took a deep breath. There was no lightness in his words

"I just saw red and all I wanted to do was stop him from breathing. I wanted to end him and it was like I had no control over what I was doing or feeling. I would have killed him if Heath and Jack hadn't…"

Charlie knew the law, she knew how procedures worked and she had no doubt that if Brax's hands was anything to go by, not only had he done some real damage to Mick, but he had already been dragged down to the station for questioning and she knew he could also get into a lot of trouble. But try as she may, she wasn't angry, or upset by his actions. Charlie instead, wanted to hold him, and tell him it would be ok like he had been doing for her and Casey during the night

"I know hurting him like that wasn't the right…"

Charlie shook her head and interjected "Don't. I never want you to do anything that will take you from us or to lose yourself like that, but right now, for this, don't say sorry because I don't want you to be" she wasn't sure where this sudden calmness she felt was coming from but for now she was holding onto it tightly

"I wasn't going to apologise for what I did Charlie. He hurt my family so I don't regret it"

Sat, the both of them remained quiet for a long while, before Brax finally urged Charlie to her feet. She needed to eat, even if it was just something small

Charlie, Brax, Casey and Cheryl were now sat in the room. Heath had left not long ago to go check on Bianca and the kids. Casey had sat and picked at the food brought to him, but he hadn't eaten much. Martha had been to see them all but they had yet to see little Oliver

All heads lifted as the door opened and Sid walked in with a broad, dark headed man. He gave them all a small smile. as he closed the door behind him

Sid turned to introduce the man "Guys this is Doctor Anderson that I spoke to you about earlier"

Doctor Anderson stepped forward, his gaze momentarily on Ruby before he peered at everyone else "Sid has filled me in on Ruby's situation and I really want to try and help"

"These tests that, Sid mentioned, what do they involve? Asked Brax

"Well, recently we have been doing tests on patients that have been in comas for long periods of time. It is said that some patients are still acutely aware of their surroundings"

"What like they can still hear conversations?" asked Heath and Doctor Anderson nodded

"In a way yes, but in our study we have found that familiarity can sometimes help comatose patients. Like smell, memories even something as simple as a room lay out. We have found that the mind becomes more coherent when it seems to recognise its surroundings. I must tell you know that this will be the first time this is tried on a patient who is on life support so I can't give you any statics on the surety of this working or not, but Doctor Walker here called and asked for a favour and I'm willing to try and give it ago but obviously the most work is up to you guys"

"How so?" asked Charlie

"You guys are her family, and with most patients the most familiar and comforting thing is family. This will be hard and in a situation like this, thinking positive is difficult but that is what I will need for the meantime when you are around Ruby"

"So what we smile and laugh, when we come to see her?" asked Heath

"Just be yourself" answered Doctor Anderson "The one she knows. Address her as you would if she wasn't injured. Tell her stories of experiences you've shared with her. Before any of this starts, we will do a full physical test on her today. Check for level of brain activity, and all that. Then as of tomorrow we will repeat these tests every couple of days to see if the changes made make any difference"

"I know you said you have never tried this on a patient on life support before, but this… what you're asking us to do. It has worked before?" asked Charlie

Doctor Anderson nodded "It has, but not for every patient"

"We'll do anything" said Brax "If you say it's worth doing then we'll do it"

Doctor Anderson nodded "I'm just gonna have a look at her medical history and I'll be back later"

Everyone nodded as he left the room, Sid following. No one spoke for a moment till Heath decided to

"Well Rubes, if what the doctor said is right and you can hear me, then let me start by saying you owe me twenty bucks because like I predicted Jack and Martha had a boy. Don't think this little hiccup is gonna get you out of your debt. In fact for every day I go with getting paid I'm gonna be adding a dollar to what you owe me as interest. I think it's only fair"

Brax closed his eyes and shook his head "You're an idiot Heath, you know that" he was grateful for Heath for a lot of things, but in moments like this he realised why he loved his brothers

Heath shrugged "Idiot?" he scoffed "Please I'm the only one here whose gonna be twenty bucks richer"

"Should we all be leaving her?" asked Casey as he looked down at Ruby "Maybe I should just stay here and you guys can…"

"Casey…" Cheryl lay her hand on his shoulder "She won't be alone ok, I'll be right here till you get back"

Charlie watched Casey, she didn't want to leave Ruby either, it had taken some convincing by Heath of all people. But she also remembered how frantic she had been when Brax had been lying in a hospital bed so she knew how Casey felt. But she had the twins and she knew she and Brax needed to someway try and make all this make sense to them

"Heath will bring you right back" she said to Casey. If Casey hadn't been staying the night with Ruby, she doubted she would have had the strength to go home

Casey looked down at Ruby for a moment and then nodded

"Ok"

"Take this as well" said Brax, placing a photo of Ruby with the twins in the already over flowing box. They were packing things for Casey to take back to the hospital, to set up Ruby's room "And this" Brax added, taking the picture Hope and Caleb had drawn for Ruby's last birthday and placing it at the side of the box

Casey picked up the box and placed it by the door "Do you think we forgot anything that might help?" he asked. He had scanned his and Ruby's room a million times

Charlie waked down the hall, her hair pulled back loosely in a bun "Place this by her bed" she passed Casey a worn teddy "She always took this teddy to bed with her till she was about eight"

Casey took the teddy from her and turned as the front door opened and Hope and Caleb raced through followed by Heath

Charlie bent down and scoped the both of them up in her arms "Hy" she buried her head into their necks for a moment before pulling back.

"We no see you for long" complained Caleb and Charlie cocked her head

"I'm sorry little man" she smiled as Hope held her hand up and Brax instantly picked her up

"We'll get going" said Heath

And Charlie turned to Casey "Let her know we'll be there in the morning" she said

Casey nodded and picked up the box before walking out the door. Heath exhaled before giving Charlie and Brax a nod and walking out the door, closing it behind him

Charlie wanted to tell him to wait that she was coming too, but she looked down at the twins and knew she had to be here

"Where Uncle Casey go?" asked Hope quietly, one hand one Brax's cheek "You no look smiley" she said as she shook her head

Caleb looked at Charlie "You no look smiley too" he added and Charlie pursed her lips

Brax smiled at Hope and placed a kiss on her cheek "I'm smiley now that you and Caleb are here, mummy is too"

Caleb gasped "Uncle Casey apposed to build a fort wif us and Wuby. He to come back" he stated

Brax cleared his throat and glanced at Charlie who nodded slowly

Walking over to the couch, Brax sat with Hope in his lap and Charlie did the same with Caleb

"Errr… Ruby and Casey won't be able to help you do that tonight"

Caleb frowned "But they pwomised" he nodded "They did"

"I know buddy" said Brax "But…" he paused, trying to think of a possible way to explain this and trying at the same time to keep his composure.

"Ruby is in the hospital right now" said Charlie, glancing up at Brax

"She poorly?" asked Hope, her green eyes wide, and Charlie nodded

"Yea she is"

"But she too be better soon, then she can build a fort with us?" asked Caleb

Brax nodded "Yea, but Ruby is gonna be in hospital for a while and Uncle Casey will be there a lot to keep her company and so will me and mum"

"We too go so we can talk to her?" asked Hope, pushing some curls from her face with her small hands

Brax blinked "You can't talk to her right now" Hope and Caleb frowned "She's asleep right now"

"Then we to go in the mowing" said Hope "She to be awake then" she nodded along with Caleb

"She'll still be asleep in the morning" replied Charlie "She as too sleep for a long time, before she get better"

"But that too many sleep" said Caleb

"Yea but right now, Ruby needs it"

The twins remained quiet for a moment, their brows in a frown their eyes big as if they somehow knew it was bigger than what they had been told

"But she to wake up?" asked Hope

Brax cleared his throat, his composure nearly breaking at the question and Charlie quickly wiped at the tear that fell from the corner of her eye. She felt like crawling into herself and crying

Hoping with all his might, Brax nodded "Yea and then she can help you build a big fort"

Hope and Caleb nodded with a smile

"But we to still go see Wuby?" asked Caleb and Charlie and Brax glanced at each other. They would not want to keep the twins from seeing her but even as adults, seeing Ruby surrounded by all those machines was a scary thing, they didn't want Hope and Caleb seeing that

"We'll see" replied Brax to the relief of Charlie

Knowing that Hope and Caleb had already eaten before Heath brought them over, Charlie looked up at the time. It had just gone past their bed time but she couldn't bare to be apart from them

"How would you like to sleep in mummy and daddy's room tonight?"

Hope and Caleb's faces lit up, both of them practically bouncing on Charlie and Brax's lap

"Take that as a yes then" said Brax, he too not really wanting to be away from the twins

Charlie ran her hand through Caleb's hair as he snuggled close to her, looking over at Brax, she noticed Hope snuggled up to him and she said a silent prayer. She asked that Ruby would wake up and that she would never have to again go through this sort of thing with any of her children

"You itchy daddy" Hope complain but didn't move away from Brax

Brax smiled lightly as did Charlie

"Sorry kiddo, promise to get rid of all the hair tomorrow"

Hope nodded "And you to no let it be itchy again" she commanded, her eyes closing a little

Brax nodded "Sure"

"You never itchy mummy" said Caleb, his voice low, his eyes already closed as he drifted off to sleep

Brax and Charlie looked at each other, and Brax reached his hand over the twins, Charlie doing the same, their fingers entwining. They were all in this together

Casey looked around the room that he had set up. Heath had offered to help, but he had wanted to do this on his own

"So what do you think?" he turned to Ruby "I think I did a pretty good job but I don't doubt Charlie will come in tomorrow and change a few things around, you know what she's like" he straightened out one of the family photos he had placed on the table near the bed

"I brought as much from our room as possible, hope I didn't overdo it" he smiled a little "But I'm sure if I did you'll waste no time in telling me once you wake up"

He ran his hand through her hair "You have to wake up from this Ruby"

Sad chapter, I know but it will pick up really soon. The test/experiment that is being carried out on Ruby is made up. Don't actually know if it exists but it makes way for scenes in the next chapter. Hope you enjoyed it

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  • 3 weeks later...

Thank you guys for the comments. And hope you enjoy this chapter

CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE

Casey looked around the room that he had set up. Heath had offered to help, but he had wanted to do this on his own

"So what do you think?" he turned to Ruby "I think I did a pretty good job but I don't doubt Charlie will come in tomorrow and change a few things around, you know what she's like" he straightened out one of the family photos he had placed on the table near the bed

"I brought as much from our room as possible, hope I didn't overdo it" he smiled a little "But I'm sure if I did you'll waste no time in telling me once you wake up"

He ran his hand through her hair "You have to wake up from this Ruby"

Two weeks later


"We still no to see Wuby?" asked Hope as Charlie put the red band she had asked to wear in her hair

Charlie exhaled, both she and Brax had been dodging Hopes and Caleb's request to go see Ruby for the past two weeks, they were now running out of reasons and excuses to keep them from the hospital

"Not just yet Hope, Ruby is still asleep"

Hope remained quiet for a moment and Charlie had almost thought she had dropped the topic, till see looked up and saw the look on Hopes face

"Hy sweetie, what's wrong?" Charlie questioned as Hopes bottom lip trembled

"You say she to wake up" Hope spoke quietly "It be long"

Charlie cocked her head and pursed her lips, it had been too long but what could she do. There was nothing they could do but wait

"I know sweetie" she pulled Hope to her and picked her up, placing her on her lap "But remember daddy and I told you and Caleb that, Ruby was really hurt so her body is sleeping so it can fix itself properly. Once she is all fixed then you can go and see her"

Hope shook her head "I wanna see her now. She be fixing for long" she peered up at Charlie, her green eyes wide with plea "Pwease, I will be good"

"Hope…" Charlie sighed, her head cocked slightly. She looked up as Brax walked into the room

"Hy" he gave a small smile "What's going on in here? If we don't leave soon you'll be late for kindy" he said to Hope. Seeing the frown on Hope's face he was about to ask her what was the matter before she jumped off Charlie's lap and ran out of the room

Brax frowned, turning to look at Hope before he turned back to Charlie "What's up with her?" he asked, glanced back down the hall before he turned back to Charlie

Charlie stood from the bed, and placed the brush she had been using on Hopes hair back on top of the drawer "She was asking about Ruby again" she spoke quietly her back to Brax "They won't let up about going to see her Brax, but…"

Brax interjected as he stepped forward, his hands resting on Charles's shoulder "Maybe she should give more thought about them going in to see her, Charlie"

Charlie shook her head "Brax, they can't see her like that. All those machines, they'll ask questions and…" she stopped talking, her fingers now toying aimlessly with the brush

"Then we'll answer their questions." He slowly turned Charlie round to face him. He face cast downward, he curled his index finger under her chin and lifted her head, till her gaze met his "We'll sit them down and explain it to them as best they can understand. And this might be good, for Ruby"

Charlie pursed her lips, looking up at Brax "She should have woken up by now Brax. It's been two weeks"

Brax sighed and pulled Charlie to him, her head resting on his chest "I know" he didn't know what else to say. It had been two weeks and she should have woken by now, but she hadn't. What else was there to say?

Brax and Charlie had been in with Ruby and Casey for the last hour

"You know, the twins are gonna be four soon" said Casey "And I don't think Hope is gonna let you off promising to get her a pony when she turned four" Casey smiled lightly. "Don't be thinking I'm gonna get you out of this one, you'll have to do this one on your own" he smiled lightly, peering at her

Brax and Charlie sat listening, this is how it had been for two weeks, and someone was always talking to her trying to act normal, most of the time not quiet managing to

Brax, Charlie and Casey glanced up as the door opened and Doctor Anderson walked through

"Hi" he smiled at them all, his gaze moving to Ruby as it always did before he turned back to them

"Any changes?" asked Casey. It had been two weeks; he no longer had the patience or time for pleasantries

Doctor Anderson nodded "Unfortunately Ruby' tests that were conducted on Tuesday show that nothing as yet to change. We still can't see any increased activity in the brain"

"But it's been a two weeks now. Something should be happening" said Charlie

"It isn't unusual for this to take some time. Some patients that eventually responded do not begin to do so till a couple weeks, some even as long as a month" he sighed "I know that this is difficult guys but I'm gonna say it again. It is important that you guys are absolutely normal around Ruby"

"It's a little hard when she's hooked up to all these machines" said Brax

Doctor Anderson nodded "And I know that. And I know how hard it is but this is important. As it is, this trail is a far shot given Ruby's condition, so I really ask that you just stop focusing on the wires and the machines and just focus on Ruby. The tension needs to go and you really just need to be with her. Create an environment that she knows, that she is familiar with" he exhaled "I'll leave you guys to it"

"I don't know if I can do normal" said Charlie as she looked to Ruby and exhaled "How do I act like everything is the same, like nothing is wrong when she is…" she stopped talking and doctor Anderson gave her a sympathetic smile

"I can't say that I don't know what I am asking of you guys will be difficult, because it will. But you need to think of this as helping Ruby. If you talking the same and acting the same when you are around her will somehow maybe help to wake her from this, then I think you'll agree when I say it's not much of a sacrifice. This is for Ruby"

One week later


"We finally agreed to let them see her" said Charlie, as she held Oliver n her arms. She smiled down at him before looking back up at Martha "I really hope we are doing the right thing here. We asked Doctor Anderson and he thinks he would be good for Ruby and for the twins but…"

Martha nodded "It won't be easy for them seeing her like that"

Charlie shook her head "No it won't"

"For what it's worth I agree. I think Hope and Caleb will have a lot of questions to start with but I do think this will be good for them to see her, they must be missing her like crazy"

Charlie nodded "Yea. We sat them down last night and explained that there would be wires and machines in the room but they were all helping Ruby get better" Charlie smiled lightly "Caleb even asked if she was gonna be turned in Robot woman. He seemed to like the idea"

Martha smiled lightly before turning seriously "And how about you and Brax, how you coping?" it seemed they had been doing their best to focus on everyone else apart from their selves

Charlie shrugged "Ok. I can let it out at times, you know, Brax is always there, he never falters. But he's doing what he always does and trying to carry everything and everyone himself. He's doing what he was doing when I was pregnant with the twins, you know. Keeping his feeling bottled up inside, not saying to much in case he cracks. Sometimes I see his eyes mist over and his jaw locks like he's going to cry but then it disappears and it's almost like it never happened"

Martha sighed "I don't think Brax knows how to deal with things any other way"

Charlie nodded "Ruby and he were meant to have their day out, day before yesterday and for the whole day he hardly said two words. Only spoke when I spoke to him or when we were at the hospital with Rubes"

"Brax as always needed time; he doesn't show he is hurting like others do"

Charlie nodded and looked down to Oliver and smiled as he gurgled "I can't believe how much he looks like Jack now"

Martha nodded "I know. Everyone who's seen him as said the very same thing"

"I'm surprised Sophia is not here trying to take him off me" said Charlie and Martha laughed lightly

"Fortunately she's out on a school trip today, otherwise you wouldn't get anytime with him. I swear I miss him sometimes in the house because she hogs him from the moment she gets back from school. You want to hear her when she's reading to him"

Charlie smiled "Yea well I'm praying ,Hope will be something like that when bump arrives" she sighed "As of now she is quiet content to pretend I'm not pregnant and is adamant I most not have a girl"

Martha chuckled "Probably doesn't want to have to share Brax with any other woman. She already as you and Ruby stealing the limelight from time to time"

"I have no doubt that's what it is" said Charlie she looked up as Jack and Brax walked into the house

"Kids want to go to the diner. Apparently Leah promised them some cake and they want to go collect their debt" said Brax as Hope as Hope and Caleb ran through the house

Since being told they would be going to see Ruby, their spirits have lifted

"Come on, they all gone if you no be quick" whined Hope and Charlie and Martha smiled

"How about we take them over and you two stay here?" said Brax and Charlie nodded

"Ok. But no getting them a milkshake as well, juice will do just fine"

Hope and Caleb were already stood at the back door as Jack and Brax followed behind

"I want stawbewwy Milkshake" said Hope

"Shh" Whispered Brax

"I heard that" shouted Charlie who shoo her head as Brax closed the door

Charlie and Brax walked into the hospital, Charlie holding Caleb's hand and Hope in Brax's arms. Charlie glanced nervously at Brax, who stretched out his hand and gave Charlie's a light squeeze

"Right so remember what we told you" said Brax and Hope and Caleb nodded their heads, both of them obviously excited at the thought of seeing their sister for the first time in three weeks

"You can't touch the wires or the machines and you don't need to be scare of them, they are only there to help Ruby get better"

Hope and Caleb both nodded again

"We knows alweady" said Hope clutching in her hand the picture she had made for Ruby while Caleb held tightly to the Lego building he had built for her

Charlie nodded "Ok" she blew out a breath as they reached Ruby's door and slowly pushed it open. Hope jumped down from Brax's grip and Caleb let go of Charlie's hand as they walked into the room

For a moment Charlie and Brax watched as neither of the two said a word

"There you two are, Ruby's been waiting for you" said Casey

Charlie and Brax smiled gratefully at Casey who was sat in his usual place beside Ruby's bed

"She as?" asked Hope and Casey nodded

"Of course"

"There so many of them wires" said Caleb his eyes wide

"I no see Wuby pwoperly" said Hope and Brax picked her back up into his arms and Charlie picked Caleb up

"What that?" asked Hope, her voice quiet as she pointed to the thick tub going down Ruby's mouth

"That is helping Ruby breath" answered Brax and Hope looked at him, her eyebrows squinted

"She no bemember how to bweath?" she asked worriedly

"She does but for now she needs a little help till she gets better"

"Thems so big" said Caleb pointing to all the different machines

"Yes but remember they are helping her get better too"

Hope and Caleb nodded as Brax and Charlie sat down near the bed

"You know you can talk to her if you want" said Brax "I' sure she would like to know what you guys brought in for her"

"She listen?" asked Caleb and Charlie nodded

"Yea, she is"

Hope and Caleb glanced at one another as if thinking the same thing before they edge forward on their parents laps

"I made you this Wuby" said Hope as she put the picture closer to Ruby. She looked up at Brax "I too tell her about the picture cause she no see it?"

Brax nodded "Sure you can"

Hope turned back to Ruby "You no see it but I to tell you" she pointed at the first picture "This is me, this is you, this is Caleb, this is mum and this is dad, and this is uncle Casey cause we a famiwy" Hope smiled "I made your wed like mine, so we have the same"

"I made you this Wuby" said Caleb holing the lego building out "It a Lego of the house but it all purple and blue. It look weally cool"

Hope and Caleb looked at Ruby as if waiting for her to say something, Casey quickly spoke "How about we but that lovely picture on the wall so when Ruby wakes up, she'll see it and we put that amazing Lego house on the table so she can see it and play with it when she wakes"

Hope and Caleb smiled and nodded their heads as they jumped of Charlie and Brax's lap

"That a weally good idea" said Hope she pointed at the wall directly in front of Ruby "We to put it there and then I to tell Wuby about kindy" she nodded excitedly and Charlie and Brax gave a little smile

"But you no to tell her about the kindy pet, I to do that" said Caleb" as he tried to find a suitable place on the table for his Lego house

One week later

Heath had his leg propped up on a chair, a magazine in hand. He squinted as he read the words "Apparently a good moisturizing regime is what every girl's needs" he sighed as he flipped the page "Reading this feels like torture. Right what's this, 'Five ways to see if your man loves you" he cocked an eyebrow and chuckled. Looking up at Ruby he spoke again

"I can't believe you women read this crap. Number one 'If he lets you pick the movie" he scoffed "Please as much as I love Bianca if I leave it up to her to pick all the movies e watch, I'd turn into a chick myself"

"Oi" Bianca swatted him on the arm "You're just jealous because you know I would happily leave Ryan Reynolds for you, any day"

Heath scoffed again "Yeah right. That idiot hasn't got a thing on all of this" he ran his hand down his body and Charlie frowned

"Yea you're right. If Ryan looked like you I wouldn't even give him a second look" she smiled lightly as Heath put his hand on his heart

"Mean Buckton. So mean"

Casey and Brax rolled their eyes

"Right number two" Heath continued "If he lets you have the last piece of pizza" Heath looked almost offended "Why on earth would any guy do that"

Bianca rolled her eyes "I bagged myself such a romantic, didn't I" she spoke sarcastically

"Yea I'm sorry but the only time Rubes gets the last piece of anything is when I feel threatened by her"

Brax and Heath laughed

"So she always gets the last piece" said Brax

Casey nodded and smiled "Pretty much. Somehow when it comes to food she seems to forget I'm her boyfriend not her rival"

Heath nodded "Girl my not be a Braxton by blood but she definitely has the Braxton way about her"

Brax scoffed "Please, she gets that from Charlie. All that violence"

"Oi" Charlie glared at Brax; I am not violent, just assertive in my ways"

"Babe you once threatened to hang me by my balls" Heath and Casey winced "if I dared take the last chicken wing when we ordered Chinese"

Charlie shrugged "They were really good chicken wings. Plus it wasn't my fault you let Ruby take one from your plate"

"Correction she stole one from my plate" said Brax

"Either way, that chicken wing was rightfully mine" said Charlie as she turned to Heath "So come on, you Braxton men are failing miserably at this test but let's hear what the next one is"

Heath looked down to the magazine and sighed "Number three when the first thig he says to you in the morning is 'I love you'"

Charlie turned to Brax and shook her head "You don't love me at all do you"

Brax chuckled and shook his head "Na, I'm just with you for your body"

Charlie sighed "I knew it all along" she replied playfully

"So we fail that one again" said Heath "Because I can be honest and say most mornings the first thing that comes out of my mouth is 'What we eating?"

Brax, Charlie and Casey laughed and Bianca gave a grunt

"At this rate I might have to find myself a new husband" she spoke mockingly

"Actually not all of us fail that test" said Casey and everyone turned to him

"What?" Heath cocked an eyebrow "You can't tell me the first thing you say to Rubes every morning is that you love her"

Casey nodded "Yep, it is" he shrugged "It just became a habit"

"You're not just saying this because Ruby can't call you out on your lie at this present moment are you?" said Heath before he turned to Ruby "He's lying isn't he, I just know he is. He's just tryna make the rest of us look bad"

Casey shook his head "I'm not lying. And it's not that big a deal"

Heath scoffed "You are such a girl"

"Hy" Bianca hit him again on the arm "Just because he know how to appreciate his girl"

"I do appreciate you" said heath "A few weeks ago I made you breakfast in bed"

Bianca shook her head "That wasn't a few weeks ago, more like a few months ago and the only reason I remembered is because it was cereal Heath. You brought me cereal in bed and then proceeded to spill half the milk down my nightie"

Everyone laughed and Heath shrugged "Still breakfast". Anyways number four, if he always offers you his coat on a cold night"

Heath grinned and turned to Bianca "One point to me" he chuckled

"Probably the only point you're gonna get"

"I think that a given" said Casey and Brax grinned

"Oh I don't know, I mean yea I always offer her my coat but I have been known to find other ways of keeping her warm" he winked at Charlie who blushed as Casey looked at the both of them in disgust

"Too much information" stated Casey

"I'm thinking at this rate Rubes will be waking up just so she never as to forcefully hear anything like that again" said Heath "And just for you Rubes, I'll move on to the last. Number five, you most definitely know that your man lurrrves you…" he winked at Bianca "if he texts you during you day for no other reason but to tell you he loves you or to give you a compliment"

Heath cleared his throat "So that's the end of that Rubes" Casey and Brax nodded in agreement

"Err no" said Charlie "I wanna know whether you or Casey do this"

"Heath does" answered Bianca and Brax and Casey laughed

"Right, I'm the one turning into a girl" said Casey and Brax chuckled

"Why you laughing?" Charlie asked Brax "You do it too"

"Ha" said Heath "Don't go pointing a finger at me"

"Whys that a bad thing, we think its sweet" said Bianca

"Yea it's just best not to go mentioning I do that sort of thing when other guys are around" said Heath

Charlie shook her head "Why, because they'll think you're both girls" she chuckled along with Bianca

"More like they'll never let us live it down" answered Heath "Anyways why you laughing?" he asked Casey "I bet you do that too and don't even think of lying because I will be asking Ruby to confirm"

Casey frowned and cleared his throat "I may have, once or twice" he spoke and Brax and Heath chuckled but stopped as the door opened and Doctor Anderson walked in

Anderson had seen the change in the family in the last couple weeks, they seemed livelier and more encouraging of trying to make this work as best as possible

"Before any of you ask, yes I do have the results from Ruby's last test" this had been the very first question to be asked every time he entered Ruby's room. Anderson had to be honest with himself and say he had feared the trail was a failure, Ruby hadn't shown a single sign of brain activity in the three weeks she had been on life support

"I have different news for you guys today" he didn't want them getting their hopes up but this was a good thing. He noted that they all seemed to sit up straight, their eyes fixed on him. Getting straight into it he spoke "Looking at Ruby's brain function that as you all know had not changed in the past three weeks. From three tests conducted last night, I can tell you guys that brain productivity as seen to have increased by 5 percent"

They all looked at him dumbfounded for a while before Charlie spoke

"So this is working?" she asked, almost as if not believing it

"It would seem so. However we can't say for sure that this wouldn't have happened without the trail" he glanced between

"But it is a possibility that the trail is working?" asked Brax and Doctor Anderson nodded

"It is a possibility yes. However you guys must now that this doesn't guarantee anything, some patients whom have had even higher numbers of increased brain activity have never woken up" he shook his head "I'm not telling you this to dishearten you but I just want you to have a well-rounded understanding of what to expect"

"We get that this is a long shot" said Casey "But we can't stop trying. She's fighting"

Two days later

Today was the twins fourth birthday, everyone had dropped by to see them but they had yet to stop talking about going to see Ruby

After we done we go to see Wuby again" sad Hope as Irene placed their chocolate cake and milkshae in front of them

"Oh" Irene nodded "I bet you cant wait to tell her all about what you guys did today"

Caleb nodded "I gonna tell her about my pwesents"

"I'm sure she'll be happy to her all about it" replied Irene and Charlie and Brax gave her a thankful smile "Don't even think about paying today, this is our birthday present to these two" she ruffled Caleb's hair and he gave a big smile

"Thanks Irene" said Charlie

"Yea thank you" added Brax

"Don't worry about it, plus with the amount these tow eat when they come here, they make up all our profits each month"

Charlie and Brax chuckled

"I can believe that" said Charlie

"Well I leave you guys to it and say hello to Ru by for me" Irene gave a warm smile and Brax and Charlie nodded before she walked away

"You two sure you dont want to do anything else today?" asked Charlie as she, Brax and the twins walked out of the diner

Hope and Caleb shook their heads

"We to do something tomorrow" said Hope "But we to see Wuby today"

Charlie looked up at Brax and sighed

"It looks like they've made up their minds" said Brax and Charlie nodded.

"And we to stay till night?" asked Caleb and Charlie cocked her head

"Maybe not till night sweetie. But a little longer than unusual"

"And then Maggie twied to steal my apple but I did what you told me to do and I pinched her arm and she no do it again" said Hope as she spoke to Ruby

Charlie's eyes widened and Brax, Casey, Heath and Jack tried to hide their smiles

"Hope" exclaimed Charlie "You don't go pinching people. That's not nice"

Hope frowned "But she twied to take my apple. It my apple not hers"

Charlie exhaled "Yes and that wasn't nice either but you don't pinch people no matter what they do"

"But Wuby say she did it when she in kindy"

Charlie and Bianca tried to hide thier smiles as they remembered that day and how Ruby had given Charlie's mum the big sad eyes, instantly getting her out of trouble

"Yea well Ruby got on trouble for doing that" lied Charlie

"Not how I remember it" muttered Bianca and Charlie shook her head at her

"She did?" asked Hope and Charlie nodded

"Yes but seeing as it's your birthday, you won't get in any trouble this time but don't do this again"

Hope nodded and leaned into Ruby before whispering "I no tell her about the other one"

This time the men laughed as well as the women

"Thanks for this Ruby" said Charlie sarcastically "My child is gonna turn into the kindy bully and its all because of you"

"Please, it's the Braxton blood, that's what it is" said Heath

"Yea well if we get called in to school for behavior like this, Brax can go in and deal with it"

Brax frowned "Why me?"

"Well like Heath said it's the Braxton blood so its only fair that a Braxton should deal with it"

Brax chuckled and cocked an eyebrow "Last I checked you are a Braxton too so babe you lose that one"

"In that case it's best you dont know what she told Caleb to do if anyone ever picked on him" chuckled Casey

Charlies eyes widened "She didn't tell him to punch kids or something?"

Casey shook his head "Like I said, it's best I dont tell you"

Charlie turned to Ruby "You best get rested, cause when you wake you've got a lot to answer to"

Brax chuckled "Rather you Ruby than me"

"Come on guys we have to go, its late and you guy have got to get to bed" said Charlie and Hope and Caleb frowned

"But we no ready yet" said Caleb "Just this many more minutes" he held up both his hands and Charlie and Brax exhaled

"You know guys Ruby needs to rest and she won't be able to rest properly if she thinks you guys aren't getting enough sleep" said Casey

Hope shook her head "We sleep her, lie you do"

"Guys you can't do that" said Brax "We can bring you back in to see her tomorrow if you want"

"It no fair" said Hope and Casey looked at Ruby before letting out a breath. One night away from her wouldn't do no harm

"How about I come home today. And maybe mum and dad can let us watch a film before you go to bed" said Casey

Caleb's face lit up "Weally. You come home?"

Casey nodded "For tonight yes" he smiled and stood to his feet "So you guys ready?" he asked Hope and Caleb and Caleb nodded his head. Hope looked to Ruby and nodded her head slowly

"Ok but I to tell Wuby something"

Casey, Brax, and Charlie frowned

"What do you want to tell her sweetie?" asked Charlie

Hope frowned before speaking "It only for Wuby. I whisper to her" she said and Brax, Charlie and Casey frowned

"Ok" said Brax as he lifted her up, onto the bed, making sure to avoid the wires around her

"I say for you to Caleb" aid Hope before she leaned into Ruby and whispered into her ears

Brax, Charlie and Casey watched on as Hope finally pulled back, her eyes pinned to Ruby for a moment before she looked up at Brax "I finish now"

"Ok" Brax and Charlie lanced at one another, let's get going then"

Charlie placed a kiss on Ruby's temple as did Brax

"Hy babe. I'll be back first thing in the morning" said Casey, placing a lingering kiss on her hair line "I love you"

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  • 3 weeks later...

Thanks for the comments guys :)

CHAPTER TWENTY SIX

Hope frowned before speaking "It only for Wuby. I whisper to her" she said and Brax, Charlie and Casey frowned

"Ok" said Brax as he lifted her up, onto the bed, making sure to avoid the wires around her

"I say for you to Caleb" aid Hope before she leaned into Ruby and whispered into her ears

Brax, Charlie and Casey watched on as Hope finally pulled back, her eyes pinned to Ruby for a moment before she looked up at Brax "I finish now"

"Ok" Brax and Charlie lanced at one another, let's get going then"

Charlie placed a kiss on Ruby's temple as did Brax

"Hy babe. I'll be back first thing in the morning" said Casey, placing a lingering kiss on her hair line "I love you"

"So what did you whisper to Ruby, or are we not allowed to know?" asked Charlie as she and Brax tucked the twins into bed

Hope and Caleb glanced at one another before Caleb answered

"She tell Wuby our birthday present"

Charlie and Brax frowned

"The ones you got today? Why did you need to whisper it to her?" asked Brax as he sat on the edge of Caleb's bed

Hope shook her head "No. We tell Wuby want she to do for our present"

"Right" Charlie nodded slowly "And what was it?"

Hope and Caleb glanced at one another again

"You to wait. We can't tell you" said Caleb and Charlie and Brax cocked an eyebrow

"Ok" said Brax with a little chuckle "Good night guys" he and Charlie both placed a kiss on Hope and Caleb's forehead before leaving the room

"What do you think they asked her for?" asked Charlie as they walked into their bedroom. Brax shutting the door behind them as Charlie walked over to her wardrobe

Brax shrugged "With those two they could have asked for anything"

Charlie smiled lightly before stripping of her clothes and pulling on one if Brax's T shirts. Brax pulled his shirt from his chest and stepped out of his jeans before he got into bed, Charlie following. Brax pulled her into his arm and placed a kiss on her temple

"You ok?" He placed his hand on her small bump and Charlie nodded

"Better. Once Ruby wakes I'll be even better for it"

Brax nodded "Yea. We all will"

"You think this is working? Us all being there acting normal, having the twins going in to see her?"

Brax exhaled "I hope it is. I really do"

Charlie exhaled as Brax pulled her closer

"Get some sleep. You know those two will have us up at the crack of dawn tomorrow" said Brax

Charlie smiled lightly as Brax placed a kiss on her forehead "Night" she said, snuggling into him

"Um… Charlie" Brax groaned at the constant sound of her ring tone "Charlie" he opened his eyes just as Charlie woke up "Your phone" he looked over at the time and seeing it was only past three in the morning, he groaned louder before burying his head into his pillow

Charlie yawned, blinking for a second before she reached over for her phone "Who on earth would be calling at this…" She stopped talking as she saw the name on the phone "It's the hospital" she looked at Brax, a sharp breath leaving her and sleep suddenly deserting her as she pushed herself up on the bed. Brax' head snapped in her direction, all thoughts of sleep gone

"Hello" her eyes widened and her throat felt like it was closing up "Sid?" she croaked. Why would Sid be calling? What had happened to her daughter since she left the hospital?

Brax was now sat up right watchng Charlie, his eyes questioning her on what was wrong

Sid sighed into the phone "You guys need to come into the hospital, now"

"W…What's wrong? Is it Ruby?" Charlie questioned. Of course it was about Ruby but she couldn't think clearly "Sid please, what…"

Brax was now stood, no longer being able to sit still. Not even hearing the conversation going on he pulled on his jeans and his t-shirt"

Charlie nodded "Ok, we'll be there soon" the phone cut off and she sat staring at Brax as he pulled a pair of jeans out of the wardrobe for her

"What did he say?" Brax stopped in front of Charlie, his breath held

Charlie shook her head "We have to go to the hospital. He asked us to come now" she stood to her feet and took the jeans from Brax's hand, her hands trembling

She looked up at Brax as he held firmly onto her hand "It's gonna be ok" he spoke, really hoping it would

"You need to go wake Casey and the twins, we need to…" Charlie spoke on auto pilot and Brax shook his head

"I'll go wake Casey and I'll call mum to come stay with Hope and Caleb"

Charlie nodded and grabbed her phone on the bedside table as Brax grabbed his before they both made their way out of their bedroom door

"Sid" Charlie stopped as she spotted Sid, Casey and Brax beside her. No one had said a word on the way over, no one wanted to be the one to voice their thoughts

"What's going on?" asked Brax, his hands balled together while Casey just stared at Sid, begging with his eyes

"You guys should come with me" said Sid

Brax placed his hand into Charlie's as all three of them followed him. They knew where they were going; this was the direction of Ruby's room

"Sid what's going on?" Charlie stopped walking, pulling Brax to a stop with her. Casey peered at Ruby's door wanting nothing more than to run and hide and pretend. He never should have left her

Sid smiled brightly and pushed the door open "Why don't you take a look for yourselves"

Stood still, all three eyes widened and Charlie felt herself choke up "Where is the machine?" she asked in a panic, unable to walk into the room "The life support machine, it's not there" she turned to Sid, thinking the worst "Where is it?"

Sid shook his head "She doesn't need it anymore"

A loud whimper left Charlie's mouth, her hands shaking "You said you would make her better, you said…"

"Charlie" Casey called his eyes wide

Charlie looked up at him and froze as she heard a raspy voice

"Ummm" the noise made came out as nothing but a vague croak but she knew the voice and till that very moment nothing in the world had ever sounded so wonderful.

Charlie's head snapped back into Ruby's room and her eyes widened her mouth dropping open, as she tried to speak. She blinked wanting to pinch herself to make sure this was real and not just a dream

"Ruby" she spoke quietly, her heart now beating with so much excitement she felt she would faint. At her call, a weak Ruby slowly turned to Charlie, she tried for a smile but she was just to tired

"Ruby" Charlie called louder this time and ran into the room, her hands instantly cupping both sides of Ruby's face "My baby" she kissed her repeatedly on her forehead as tears ran down her face. Pulling back she simply stared down at Ruby still unsure if this was real "You woke up"

Ruby nodded once, too weak to give more than that

"She only woke up just over an hour ago, so she is still very weak at the moment and her throat will be a little sore" said Sid a smile on his face

"She just woke up?" asked Charlie her gaze never leaving Ruby. Brax was now also stood beside Ruby's bed but he just gazed down at her unspoken, scared that if he blinked this would all go away

Sid nodded "I'm not gonna lie and say that this doesn't amaze me as much as it does you, but yes she simply woke up. I was actually just about to clock off when her monitor stared bleeping. She gave me and some of the nurses a scare for a second"

"And she's alright now?" asked Charlie. Ruby's eyes were now closed but still Charlie didn't take her gaze off her daughter

Sid smiled "She's very weak at the moment but that is to be expected. I have ordered for some tests to be taken and Doctor Anderson has been called and will be here as soon as possible" he smiled and glanced back at Casey, who was still stood at the foot of the door his eyes wide "I'll leave you guys alone for a while but don't panic if she falls asleep, she might have been in a coma the past few weeks but her body is still very weak" Knowing they were to engrossed in Ruby to reply he walked out the door but not before giving Casey a small smile

Ruby groaned against the sore pain in her throat and head. She could still feel Charlie's hands on her face, as she used what seemed like all her energy to open her eyes again

"I'm missed you so much" said Charlie as Ruby opened her eyes

Ruby shut her eyes again, trying to figure out what was going on, Sid had mentioned something about a car and…

She fought to open her eyes again as it all came back to her, the beach, the Ute, Casey. She blinked rapidly, so badly wanting to move but the soreness of her body protesting

"C…" she swallowed trying to clear the dryness in her throat "Case" she spoke blinking up at Charlie "Casey"

Charlie cocked her head and Brax finally tore his gaze from Ruby as he turned back to see Casey hadn't moved from his earlier position "He's right here" spoke Brax as Casey finally seemed to snap himself out of his trance and stepped further into the room

Charlie wanted to hold onto Ruby forever but she edged away from the side of the bed to make room for Casey.

Stopping at the side of Ruby's bed, Casey peered down at her, drinking in every inch on her face.

Ruby blinked trying to keep her gaze focused. Seeing Casey stood in front of her she wanted to cry with relive 'he was ok'

"Hy" she croaked out and Casey clenched his jaw trying to keep his tears from falling. There was no explaining the relief coursing through his body at that moment. No moment had ever felt as good as this

"Hy" he replied and there was no stopping the tear that fell down his cheek "You have no idea how good it is to hear your voice"

Brax looked at Charlie and although leaving was the last thing they both wanted to do, they stopped out of the room and Brax instantly pulled Charlie to him, enclosing her in a tight hug. Charlie hugged him back with just as much intensity as her silent tears turned into a sob

"She's ok now" said Brax clearing his throat "She's ok" he looked upwards and said a silent thank you

Ruby finally managed to give a small, even if weak smile "You missed me then" she spoke slowly

Casey cocked his head and before he could stop himself, he had one hand on her cheek the other in her hair "More than I can tell you" he shook his head "I am so sorry Ruby. So sorry"

Ruby groaned "Not your fault" she said. Everything had slowly come back to her. Their argument, the car coming towards Casey, her pushing him out of the way

Casey shook his head "Yes it was. It was all my fault. You shouldn't have been there in the first place, we shouldn't have been there. I'm so sorry"

"Umm" Ruby wanted so much to talk, she had so much she wanted to know but she just seemed to be too tired

"You can sleep" Casey said, it was clear she was tired "I just want you to be ok. I'll be right here when you wake up"

Ruby offered another small smile before she shut her eyes and sleep consumed her

Charlie, Brax and Casey sat simply watching Ruby. it was now just gone seven in the morning and Ruby had been asleep for a little over three hours but none of the three cared. As long as she was ok, she could sleep for as long as she need to get her strength back

At the sound of the door opening, all three turned to see Doctor Anderson walk in, a smile on his face

"How are we this morning?"

Charlie just about managed not to throw herself in his arms, just to thank him for not giving up on Ruby

"The best day ever" she replied "Thank you so much" Charlie blinked "Thank you"

Doctor Anderson shook his head "It's nothing I did, this one is all Ruby and possibly you guys. But I can't lie, I have never seen recovery this fast. Although Ruby's level of brain activity had increased, I have never had a patient make such quick and amazing recovery" he smiled and glanced at Ruby "I just got the results in from the tests they did earlier this morning when she woke up, and I can tell you guys you have nothing at all to worry about. Brain activity is in full capacity and heart beat is strong and steady"

"So was this the test? It worked?" asked Brax

Doctor Anderson exhaled "Given the speed of Ruby's recovery it is hard to dictate if that is the case or not. I do believe having you guys around to encourage her recovery helped a lot but it could also steam to Ruby's body having gotten the rest it needed"

Brax nodded "Well either or, we do owe you a thank you. If for nothing else, for not giving up on her"

Doctor Anderson nodded "Just doing my job" he looked to Ruby before looking back at the others "I'll be back again later once she wakes but then after that my job here is all done"

Ruby groaned, before she slowly opened her eyes, her sight taking a while to adjust to the light streaming into the room

"Hy kiddo"

She looked to her side to see Brax sat there, his arms perched on the side of the bed

"Brax" she smiled warmly, the effort of talking not seeming as difficult as it had done before

"You gave me a right scare you know that… you gave us all a scare" hearing Brax's voice tremble near the end, Ruby frowned

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to, but…"

Brax shook his head "Don't you try explaining yourself. You did a very selfless thing but doesn't mean I haven't aged at least a decade worrying about you" he clasped her hand in his "I love you like my own you know that right?" his eyes had clouded over and Ruby couldn't help her own tears "I don't want to be losing any of my kids, you hear me"

Ruby's tears hit the pillow as she nodded "I hear you" she sniffed "I'm sorry I gave you such a scare"

"Don't be sorry, just get better before I start graying" Brax chuckled lightly and Ruby smiled

"I can do that" she squeezed his hand as he leaned forward and placed a kiss on her forehead

Brax turned to the door as it opened and Casey and Charlie walked in. Charlie smiled

"You're awake"

Ruby nodded "Yea" she smiled lightly as Charlie came round the other side of the bed and stroked a hand through her hair. She turned to Casey and was about to speak before a voice caught her attention

"Wuby" Hope screeched, she and Caleb stood at the door their eyes wide

"You waked up" said Caleb, and Ruby couldn't but help the smile on her face, how she had missed these two. Her smile stayed placed as Hope and Caleb ran into the room, both stopping at the side of her bed

"Put me up daddy" demanded Hope and Brax chuckled as he lifted Hope and gently placed her on the bed before doing the same for Caleb

"You missed me" asked Ruby wanting to give them both a big hug but still feeling somewhat drained. Hope and Caleb nodded their heads vigorously

"Too much" replied Hope

"It weally worked. You listened" said Caleb and Ruby along with Brax, Charlie and Casey frowned but before they could ask there was more commotion at the door and Ruby smiled at the sight of all her family stood there

"Ruby" Reece grinned as he and Sophia walked into the room, Abigail trying to push past them as all the adults squeezed in

"Aww Rubes" Bianca placed a kiss on Ruby's forehead as did Martha

"Hy guys" Ruby's smile remained, never had she been so glad to see everyone. She smiled at Jack as he placed a kiss on her temple

"It's a good thing you woke up , or I would have had to go all bad cop on you"

Ruby smiled and looked to Heath expecting some sort of smart remark from him but instead he surprised her as he stepped forward and placed a kiss on her temple

"Ridiculously glad you're awake kid"

Ruby smiled up at him "You really missed me"

Heath shrugged "You're my partner in crime. I need you here"

Ruby felt herself choke up at his words but blinked at the soft cry of a baby. She frowned as she finally noticed the pram in the room. Seeing the look on her face Jack stepped forward and carried Oliver out of the pram

"Someone wants to say hello to his auntie" he said and walked over to Ruby's bed side, with Oliver in his arms

Ruby's eyes widened and her gaze dropped to Martha's belly

"You had bump"

Everyone laughed and Martha answered "Yep. Bump is now officially a member of the community"

Ruby looked over at Jack "Can I get a proper look at him" Jack nodded and stepped closer to the bed

"He name Oliver" said Hope a grin on her face and Ruby smiled

"Oliver" Ruby nodded "He's so beautiful" Ruby peered down at the tiny bundle in Jacks arms and smiled

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  • 2 weeks later...

Thanks JarlieFanEver and Pembie for the comments. :)

CHAPTER TWENTY SEVEN

Ruby's eyes widened and her gaze dropped to Martha's belly

"You had bump"

Everyone laughed and Martha answered "Yep. Bump is now officially a member of the community"

Ruby looked over at Jack "Can I get a proper look at him" Jack nodded and stepped closer to the bed

"He name Oliver" said Hope a grin on her face and Ruby smiled

"Oliver" Ruby nodded "He's so beautiful" Ruby peered down at the tiny bundle in Jacks arms and smiled


Two days later


Ruby stirred out of her sleep, her eyes slowly opening as they adjusted to the bright light coming through the window. Looking to her side she smiled to see Charlie sat

"How long you been watching me for?"

Charlie shrugged "Casey and Brax went to get something to eat. Plus Brax had to go pick the twins from kindy. Cheryl came to see you too but you been out of it for a while"

Ruby smiled with a nod "Wondered if she was around, haven't seen her"

Charlie sighed "Yea I think she feels guilty about the whole Mick thing"

Ruby frowned "It wasn't her fault"

Charlie nodded "I know, but I don't think she sees it that way. But don't you worry I'll talk to her"

"You should" said Ruby before she noticed that Charlie was in her uniform. She smiled a little as she saw Charlies small bump pushing against her shirt "You back at work?"

Charlie nodded "Yea. Had quite some time off, figured it was time to get back to it" she smiled "How you feeling?" hearing Ruby's voice and knowing she was gonna be ok still brought Charlie so much relief

Ruby sighed "Better than when I first woke up. My head isn't as sore and I can actually move about a little now"

"Good" said Charlie leaned forward and brushing Ruby's hair from her face. She still gave thanks everyday that Ruby made it

"Hy" Ruby clasped her hand over Charlie's as Charlie's eyes glazed over without her even knowing "I'm fine now mum. Nothing is gonna happen to me"

Charlie pursed her lips and nodded, she stroked Ruby's cheek lightly "It's just…" she shook her head "No matter how old you are, you will always be my baby you know that?"

Ruby nodded "I know"

"The thought of ever losing you" Charlie cleared her throat "Parents are not meant to lose their children and when I thought you…" she sniffed and blinked her tears away "Those weeks were the worst of my life. Seeing you like that, knowing there was nothing I could do for you"

Ruby pushed herself up on the bed slightly and peered down at Charlie "I'm sorry you had to go through that mum" Charlie shook her head

"You're alright now and that is the only thing that matters"

Ruby gave a small smile "Do you think I could get a hug"

Charlie chuckled lightly and stood to her feet "how about you just let me hold you for a while" she scooted onto the edge of Ruby's bed and wrapped her in her arms, placing a kiss on her forehead

"I love you so much" said Charlie

Ruby put her hand over Charlie's arms "I love you too mum"

Charlie rolled her eyes as Hope, looked up at Brax, giving him the puppy dog eyes "Hope Elise don't even try that with your father" said Charlie. She could see Brax's resolve beginning to break "You can go see Ruby on Saturday"

Hope puffed out a breath and pouted her lips. Charlie shook her head as Brax looked at her, pleading on behalf of Hope "You are so weak Braxton" she jabbed him playfully in the chest as she walked past him "But the answer is still no. Plus April, Dex and Casey are with her today. She should be allowed to have some time with her friends"

Brax sighed and looked at Hope defeated "I tried sweetie"

Charlie chucked from the kitchen and shook her head as Brax walked in "That girl would have you sell me if she simply asked it of you and batted her eyelashes in your direction"

Brax gasped, feigning hurt "I would never do such thing. All you would have to do is bat your lashes at me and maybe give me a kiss or two"

Charlie turned around the face him "What just a kiss or two?"

Brax nodded as he wrapped his arms around her waist "Yep. I mean, I might still sell you but at least I would get a kiss before you left"

Charlie swatted his chest as Brax chuckled. He smiled down at her; it had been so long since they had been able to be this carefree. Just as the thought crossed his mind a knock was heard from the front door. Hearing what he assumed was one of the twins running towards the door, Brax shouted

"Don't you dare open that door" he realised Charlie from his arms and walked into the living room to find both Hope and Caleb stood by the door smiling at him sweetly, he should have known it would have been both of them "Go back to your toys" he ordered and Hope and Caleb sighed dramatically before doing as they were told.

Opening the door, he smiled lightly "Mum" he stepped aside allowing her walk into the house. She hadn't been around much lately, apart from the few times she had been to check on Ruby

"Hy" Cheryl smiled lightly at Brax as she walked into the house "Not disturbing am I"

Brax closed the door and followed her into the living room "That's never bothered you before" replied Brax and Cheryl smiled lightly

"I guess not" her smile grew as she spotted Hope and Caleb. Looking up from their toys, Hope squealed and Caleb jumped to his feet, both of them running to Cheryl and nearly knocking her over

"Nana Chewyl" Hope squealed as she wrapped her arms around Cheryl's legs "We no see you for long"

Cheryl crouched down to their level, placing a kiss on Hopes temple then on Caleb's "Sorry. Nana's been a little busy lately"

"You no busy no more?" asked Caleb and Cheryl nodded

"No, not busy anymore"

Hope and Caleb pulled on her hand as she stood to her feet, guiding her to the couch

"You to stay and play with us?" asked Hope just as Charlie came out of the kitchen

"Hi Cheryl" Charlie smiled down at her mother in law. She was glad she had come round as she had been planning to go and see her

"Hi" Cheryl gave a small smile but averted her gaze from Charlie's "I err… hope you don't mind, just came to say hi to these two"

Charlie frowned "Of course we don't mind. You know you don't have to ask to see them or to come round for that matter"

Hope tugged on Cheryl's arms "You no answer. You to stay and play with us?"

Cheryl smiled just as Brax spoke, he knew by the look Charlie was giving him, she wanted some time alone with his mum "Hey, how about you guys come and help me get started on dinner. Sure your Nana wold love to stay and eat with you guys"

Hope and Caleb jumped down running into the kitchen "We to make meatballs, Nana said they her bestest" said Caleb and Brax smile as he walked into the kitchen, leaving Charlie and Cheryl alone

Charlie walked over to the couch and sat beside Cheryl. She sighed before she spoke "I was actually gonna come over to your place tomorrow, we haven't seen you in a while and I was getting worried. As you can see, the twins have missed having you around"

Cheryl looked up at Charlie and frowned, she should be angry at her "I didn't want to get in the way. With err… with everything that happened, I just…" she let out a breath "I get that this whole mess is on me. Mick came here because of me and then Ruby…"

Charlie interjected "Cheryl, do you honestly think this is your fault?"

Cheryl cleared her throat "I don't fault anyone for blaming me"

Charlie frowned and shook her head "Cheryl, nobody blames you for this. Not Brax, not Casey, not Ruby and especially not me"

Cheryl shook her head "How could you not…"

Again Charlie interjected "Because you were not the one driving that Ute. Mick was, and he is the only person that there is to blame. You didn't ask him to come here, Cheryl. Whatever he did is on his head alone" Charlie sighed "You're family ,Cheryl, and seeing as my parents are no longer alive you are the closest thing to a parent that I have and those three in there love you as do I" she glanced at the kitchen

Cheryl pursed her lips and nodded "You are a good person Charlie"

Charlie shook her head "It's not about being a good person it's about being honest" she bit into the corner of her lips "You know about some of the things that happened when I first returned to the bay. You know about Grant and the things he did. For so long I blamed myself, thinking I had somehow caused all this and if I hadn't come back none of the bad stuff would have happened" she glanced at the picture of her and Brax on the mantelpiece "But Brax shut that thought down immediately and he made me see that I had no control over what Grant did. I didn't ask him to do any of what he did and I wasn't to blame" she could hear the twins talking but couldn't hear anything from Brax "You have no fault in this so don't for one second think any of us blame you for any of this. We're just glad that he'll get what he deserves" Charlie smiled warmly and Cheryl then chuckled as she heard Caleb and Hope now arguing "Plus I really need you here to take those two off my hand every now and again"

Hope ran into the living room "Caleb no let me have a go"

Charlie shook her head and Cheryl chuckled

"A go of what, sweet pea?"

"Mixing" Hope stated "I want to mix too" a pout settled on her bottom lip and Cheryl stood to her feet and took Hope's hand in her's "How about if we go see if we can find you another important task"

Hope nodded her head and Cheryl looked at Charlie and smiled before following Hope into the kitchen.

Brax walked out of the kitchen, leaving him mum and the twins to it as he approached Charlie, who had just stood to her feet. Wrapping his arms around her waist, he pulled her in for a soft kiss

"Thank you for that" He had heard most of what Charlie had said

Charlie shrugged "Nothing to thank me for" she placed a quick kiss on his lips. She sniffed and sighed at the smell of food "I don't understand why my meatballs never smell that nice"

Brax cocked an eyebrow "Probably because your meatballs are more poisonous than they are edible"

"Oi" Charlie hit him lightly on the chest "You said my cooking as improved"

Brax nodded "and it as… a little" he quickly released her and edged away before she could hit him again, a grin on his face

Ruby chuckled as Dex wolfed down the dessert that was meant for her. She hated the hospital desserts even more than the food but, Dex seemed to be enjoying it. April stared at her boyfriend

"Cannot believe you are actually eating her pudding" she shook her head "We come here to see how she is and you end up taking what's hers"

Dex looked up and shrugged "She wasn't going to eat it. Shame to let it go to waste" he cleared the bowl before placing it back on the tray "In many ways I was helping her"

Casey scoffed and April rolled her eyes

"Yea, you're just a perfect gentleman" she mocked and Dex grinned and gave a dramatic sigh

"I know. It's both a curse and a blessing" he laughed and groaned as he looked up at the clock on the wall "Sorry to eat and dash but we should get going. The last bus to the farm leaves in thirty minutes"

April groaned as she stood to her feet, "Why couldn't you live somewhere close like everyone else?" she walked over to Ruby's side and gave her a hug "I'll come by after lectures tomorrow"

Ruby nodded "Thanks for coming today. Both of you"

Dex smiled "No worries" he patted Casey on the back "See ya later"

Casey nodded "Yea. See you guys"

April and Dex gave one final smile before walking out the door

"Do you think he will ever change?" Ruby asked with a smile

"Who, Dex?"

Ruby nodded

Casey shook his head and smiled "Na. He's Dex"

Ruby chuckled "Yea. It was nice to have him and April here today" she spoke and Casey nodded "You don't have to go home yet do you?" asked Ruby and Casey shook his head

"Na. I don't"

Ruby nodded and Casey smiled at her. It had been a little tense between them since the day before and neither wanted to speak on it. But looking at him now, Ruby couldn't help herself

"You don't have to stay here with me if you don't want to. I mean…" she paused "I'm all better now, so…"

Casey frowned "Of course I want to stay here with you" he moved closer to her side, and rested his arms on the bed

"It's just…" Ruby's gaze flickered across his face "Before the accident, it felt like…" she shrugged "Things were different"

Casey nodded "Yea they were. But that's what I was trying to tell you before…" he exhaled "I was acting like a jerk and I'm sorry. It wasn't anything to do with you"

Ruby chuckled nervously "That's what people usual say just before they break up with you"

Casey peered at her "I would never break up with you Ruby" he slowly took her hands in his "Never did I mean to make you feel like I didn't care about you because I do Ruby. I love you"

Ruby stared at him "Then why…"

Casey interjected "I was scared, ok" Casey cleared his throat and Ruby frowned at his words "Before the week away at the cabins, we had been taking things slow and it felt like everything was right again, and when you wanted to have sex…" he shook his head "I wanted to, I really did but I couldn't get the image of you bleeding out of my head" he hissed but Ruby didn't speak "When I walked into our room that day and you" he shook his head "...the look on your face and then when we found out that you had miscarried. That scared the crap out of me Ruby" he removed his hands from her's and ran his hand over his face "I didn't want you going through that again" he looked up at her "I hated seeing you like that and then not being able to help you and having to give you space… I hated it" he clenched his jaw "Stupid I know, but I figured, no sex…"

"Would guarantee that never happened again" Ruby finished for him and Casey nodded

"Yea, pretty much"

Ruby cocked her head and reached over taking his hand in hers "You know you could have just told me this instead of having me think you didn't want me anymore. I thought maybe after the miscarriage you didn't want anything to do with me"

Casey sighed "Never"

Ruby chuckled lightly "Guess we need to start talking a little more"

"Yea" Casey squeezed her hand

Ruby smiled "But really no sex at all" she cocked an eyebrow and Casey chuckled "How long did you think that was gonna last for?"

Casey shrugged "Stupid notion, I know"

Ruby shook her head "Not stupid more unrealistic and impossible. We both know you can't resist me for too long"

Casey laughed and stared at her, he had missed her so much. He sighed "I'm sorry I made you think I didn't want you and this, you being in here…"

Ruby shock her head "This is not on you. You didn't see the car coming, I did"

"Just promise not to go being a hero again. I'd rather you left that to me"

Ruby smiled lightly "I'll try"

Leaning forward, Casey placed a soft kiss on her lips "I love you"

Next day

Charlie exhaled and rubbed her eyes as she walked into the office. She yawned just before she cocked an eyebrow as she looked down at Jack who had his head on his desk, his eyes closed. She peered closer at him and fought the urge to laugh when a light snore escaped his lips. Smiling wickedly, she turned back to the door, opened it wide before slamming it shut. A chuckled left her lips as Jack bolted up

"Yea… umm" Jack blinked rapidly, wiping at the corner of his mouth before he realised he was still in their office and looked at Charlie who was now chuckling a little too loud for his liking

"I really should put that request in for a new partner" he grumbled as he sat back down, and buried his head in his hand

Charlie shook her head "Please, no one in this station can entertain you like I do" she dropped her keys onto her desk and sat down "Take it you didn't get much sleep last night"

Jack grumbled into his hand and lifted his head up, looking at Charlie as if he wanted to cry "I haven't had a straight nights sleep in so long, that every time I so much as picture a bed I want to weep"

Charlie chuckled as she powered up her computer "Take it Oliver is still very vocal at night"

Jack frowned "Vocal doesn't even begin to cover it. He cried for so long last night I actually considered taking a pillow and going to sleep in the garden"

Charlie cocked her head and gave him a sympathetic look "I'm sure it'll get better. Martha and Sophia must be feeling the same"

Jack scoffed "Martha yes, Sophia not so much. That girl could sleep through a war. She doesn't even so much as hear Oliver during the night and then she wakes in the morning looking at me and Martha like we're the crazy ones for being so tired. She seems to think her little brother can do no wrong"

Charlie laughed "Yea well that's the way it usually is. Give it till he can walk and talk, she'll be trying to get away from him then" Charlie covered her mouth with the back of her hand as she yawned again

"I take it I'm not the only one who didn't get much sleep last night"

Charlie nodded "Twins kept getting up, claiming they weren't tired. Never mind that I was completely shattered. I had to put Caleb back into bed four times before he finally drifted off and don't even get me started on the amount of times Hope got out of bed. I thought Brax was gonna start balling his eyes out" she chuckled and looked up as the door opened up, and Inspector Joyce walked into the office

"Constable Buckton, Holden" he greeted the two and they greeted him back "I err wanted to talk to you about the case against Mick. It was your daughter that he hit with his Ute and I figured you would want to let her know what was happening rather than have one of the officers go down to the hospital to see her"

Charli nodded. She or Jack hadn't heard anything on what was happening. Joyce had been working hard to keep them out of the loop

"I'm guessing you don't mind Constable Holden being here for this"

Charlie shook her head "No, I don't"

Joyce nodded "This morning, Mr Morton, whom you know as Mick, as officially been charged with several cases of fraud, car theft, armed robbery and finally he will be charged on the basis of the hit and run as grievous bodily harm with intent"

Charlie let out a breath "So, he will be going to trial?"

Joyce shook his head "No. We have more than enough evidence to send him straight for a sentencing, plus we finally got him to admit to hitting Ruby, although he claims it was an accident and panicked. We were able to get footage of his Ute lurking around the parking lot near the surf club just before he hit Ruby"

Charlie smiled lightly "So that's it. He'll be getting sent down"

"For a very long time" replied Joyce, before leaving the room

Jack looked over at Charlie "Knew he was gonna get what was coming to him"

Charlie nodded "The boys are gonna be so pleased to hear this"

Ruby smiled as Charlie, sat with Brax and Casey, as she delivered the news on Mick. Brax had already delivered the news to both Heath and Cheryl

"So he's going away for a long time?" she asked just to be sure

Brax nodded "Yea, he is"

Ruby let out a breath "Thank God. That man was vile" she said and Charlie nodded

"That's one word to describe him"

"Where are the twins?" Ruby finally asked

"With Bianca. They're having a sleep over" answer Brax

A knock sounded on the door, before Heath and Cheryl walked into the room

"Hi" Ruby smiled at the two of them

"Hey Ruby" Cheryl gave her a small smile "How you feeling?"

Ruby nodded "Better. Still can't wait to get outta here though. Need some proper food" Ruby sniffed and her eyes landed on Heath "I smell proper food"

Heath shock his head as he stepped to her "Of course you would" He placed the brown bag on her lap

"Meatballs and spaghetti with cheese cake for afterwards. Courtesy of mum" said Heath, he frowned "Although I don't see why she didn't make enough for all of us to have some"

Cheryl rolled her eyes "Because you aren't the one stuck in a hospital bed" she sighed

Ruby sat up and pulled the container from the bag a smile on her face "Thank you so much Cheryl" she opened the container and picked up the fork that had come with it and dug into her food straight away

Charlie chuckled "Thanks for this Cheryl. I did offer to bring her something in but she refused"

Heath scoffed as Brax and Casey chuckled "Yeah that's probably because the girl wants to get out of this hospital and the only thing your cooking is likely to do is keep her here longer" said Heath

Brax, Casey and Cheryl stifled their laughter as Charlie glared at him.

"Hy" Heath held his hands up in defence "I only tell you the truth because I care for you" Charlie rolled her eyes and turned back to Ruby who was still eagerly digging into her food

"I keep telling everyone my cooking as improved" Charlie spoke and everyone remained silent. "Fine, just to prove it, when Ruby is allowed to go home I'll be cooking dinner that night"

Brax groaned but quickly covered it up with a cough as Ruby and Casey looked at Charlie as if she had just lost her mind

"You really don't have to mum. Pizza will be fine"

"No. I insist" Charlie leaned back and crossed her arms across her chest. Brax went to speak but Cheryl shook her head

"I wouldn't if I was you"

Brax nodded and kept shut but Heath being Heath laughed

"Well good luck with that guys. I won't be eating at yours that day. Reece and Abi are way too young to lose a parent" before he could register it Charlie jumped to her feet and whacked him across the head

Heath winced and rubbed the back of his head as, Brax, Casey, Ruby and Cheryl laughed "Damn" Heath frowned "What the hell… that hurt like a…" Heath stopped talking at the pointed look on Cheryl's face "Really" he sighed "She attacks me and I'm the one getting the look" he continued to rub the back of his head "No wonder Brax never crosses you, that hand of yours is damaging"

Brax went to speak and Charlie knew by the look on his face it was gonna be an inappropriate comment

"Don't even think about saying anything Brax" she cocked an eyebrow and Brax grinned sheepishly

"That's fine, I'll save it for later" he winked at Charlie and Ruby and Casey groaned in unison

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  • 4 weeks later...

Thanks for the comments :)

CHAPTER TWENTY EIGHT

"Well good luck with that guys. I won't be eating at yours that day. Reece and Abi are way too young to lose a parent" before he could register it Charlie jumped to her feet as whacked him across the head

Heath winced and rubbed the back of it head as, Brax, Casey, Ruby and Cheryl laughed "Damn" Heath frowned "What the hell… that hurt like a…" Heath stopped talking at the pointed look on Cheryl's face "Really she, attacks me and I'm the one getting the look" he continued to rub the back of his head "No wonder Brax never crosses you, that hand of yours is damaging"

Ruby chuckled, glad she had made it through

Swinging her legs off the side of the bed, Ruby watched as, Brax and Casey packed up her things and placed them into the bag that Charlie had brought in for her

"Hey" she whispered and glanced at the door before turning back to, Casey and Brax who had both now turned to look at her; both their left eyebrows cocked in the same manner, wondering why on earth, Ruby, was whispering

"Is mum still sticking to her plan of cocking for us tonight?"

Brax and Casey groaned before both nodding in confirmation

"I think I might actually have to work a shift at the restaurant tonight" said, Brax, casually as he resumed packing Ruby's things "I might just eat while I'm there"

Ruby, gasped "No way. If we have to sit through it and possibly die tonight, you're coming with us"

Brax, chuckled and turned back to face, Ruby "Why should I? She's your mum"

Ruby scoffed and pointed her index finger at, Brax "And she's your wife. Till death do you part, remember"

Brax rolled his eyes "Yea well I was thinking death was still a long way away"

"I think I'm coming down with a flu" said Casey, fanning his face dramatically "Not sure I'm gonna have much of an appetite"

Brax chuckled and Ruby narrowed her eyes at Casey "We are all gonna be at that table eating. If anyone tries pulling any funny business, I will let mum know what you are up too" Ruby, crossed her arms, a smug smile on her face as, Brax and Casey gawked at her

"You would rat us out?" asked ,Brax, shaking his head "I'm disappointed"

Ruby rolled her eyes "Like I said if I have to eat her food so does everyone else and that goes for Hope and Caleb too"

Casey and Brax chuckled loudly

"You really are just mean. What have those kids ever done to you?" Asked Casey

Ruby shrugged "She's there mother too" was the answer she gave just as Charlie walked into the room

"Hey" Charlie, smiled at Ruby before going over and placing a kiss on her temple "Sorry I couldn't get the whole day off work, but I'm here now. You all packed?"

Ruby nodded "Yep. I've had my own personal servants for the best part of the day" she grinned at Brax and Casey who rolled their eyes before Brax zipped up her bag

"I'll go let Sid know we're ready to leave" spoke, Brax, before walking to Charlie, placing a quick kiss on her lips and walking out of the room in search of Sid

Ruby smiled as she looked down at Charlie's small bump "Hey bubba" she placed her hands on Charlie's stomach before looking up at Charlie "We gonna find out the sex this time?"

Charlie shook her head "Na, Brax doesn't want to and I'm not fussed either way"

Ruby nodded "Well let's just hope the only surprise will be the sex and not that you're having twins again"

Charlie glared at Ruby, at which Ruby laughed "No" Charlie shook her head adamantly "Only one this time"

"You never know. You hear of cases where one of the twins is hiding" Ruby chuckled at the look on Charlie face

"Don't go filling my head with things like that Rubes" Charlie frowned "No more twin's ok, one at a time"

Charlie, Ruby and Casey turned to the door as, Sid and Brax walked in

"How you feeling?" asked Sid smiling at Charlie and Casey before turning to Ruby

Ruby sighed "Like I've been cooped up in this hospital for too long and the thought of joining civilisation is getting me all giddy"

Sid chuckled along with everyone else

"Well it's a good thing you're going home today then"

Ruby nodded

"But remember. You still have to come for a check in in two weeks. Like I've said it's just a precaution to make sure there are no delayed symptoms we might have missed"

Ruby nodded "Mum won't let me forget"

Charlie nodded "She's be here on dot time"

Sid smiled "Well then you are officially free to go. Brax has signed the discharge papers"

Ruby jumped off the side of the bed "Come on then. I can't wait to sleep in my own bed"

Sid nodded with a smile "Well I'll see you in two weeks" Ruby nodded as he said goodbye and left the room

Picking up Ruby's bag, Casey turned to her "Ready"

With a smile Ruby nodded "Ready"

Smiling up at Brax Ruby walked through the front door and was nearly knocked over by both Caleb and Hope

"Surprise" shouted everyone. Cheryl, Heath, Bianca, Jack, Martha, April, Dex and the kids were all gathered around the living room, with bright smiles

Ruby smiled brightly as she looked up at the welcome home banner that hung on the other side of the room

"Aww guys" Ruby turned round to Charlie, Brax and Casey who were smiling at her before turning back to the others "You really didn't have to do all this"

"Yea, but these two insisted on you having a party" said Brax pointing down at Hope and Caleb who were still gripping onto Ruby's legs "Missus just wouldn't take no for an answer"

Ruby chuckled as she looked down at the twins, who were staring up at her with excited eyes "This your idea?" she asked as she ran her hands through their hair, pushing Hopes curls from her face. Both Hope and Caleb nodded, wide smiles on their faces

"You all better now, so we too have a party" said Caleb and Hope nodded

Ruby bent down to their level "So you missed me then?" she asked with a cheeky smile and the twins nodded

"Too much" said Hope and Caleb frowned at Ruby

"You no to sleep for long again. You no allowed"

Ruby chuckled along with everyone else before she pulled the twins in for a hug "Don't worry, I promise not to sleep for that long again"

Pulling back Hope and Caleb smiled

"Good" replied Hope before she latched onto Ruby's hand "Come on, we got too many food in the garden"

Charlie rolled her eyes as Hope pulled Ruby along, not giving her enough time to properly say hello to everyone

"Of course she's thinking of food, she is your kid after all" said Charlie to Brax

Brax scoffed "Say's the woman that damn near put me out of business yesterday with all the food she was inhaling"

Charlie scowled at him and hit him playfully on the chest "Hy, I'm eating for two I'm allowed. Your four year old daughter eats like a grown man, that's different"

Heath laughed "You could have fooled me Charlie. With how much you were putting away I figured you were having another set of twins or maybe triplets"

Heath chuckled but winced as, Bianca, hit him on the chest

"Thank you, Bianca" said Charlie

"You're welcome" replied Bianca before she followed the kids out the door

Charlie, Ruby and Bianca shook their head disbelieving as, Hope and Caleb both sat either side of Brax, both patting their stomach's the same way Brax was

"I too full" said Hope and Caleb nodded

"Me too"

Brax sighed "Me three"

Everyone laughed

"I don't care what anyone says about Buckton girls" said Ruby "Braxton's eat like horses"

Charlie nodded "how can four year olds put away so much"

Brax grinned "It's the Braxton gene"

Cheryl shook her head "This is nothing. I remember this one time, when Daryl was seven and I brought pizza home one night and only had a slice. But Daryl worked his way through seven slices before even thinking to stop. Afterwards he then turned around to me and asked if I had brought home any potato chips"

Jack, Heath and Casey chuckled while all the girls shook their heads

"Seven slices?" Martha asked disbelievingly "Surely not"

Cheryl nodding "Yep. I remember because ,Heath, although only four at the time, went on a little rampage about how Brax only left him two slices. You should have seen him shaking his chubby fingers' in Brax's face, giving him a right telling off"

"My fingers were not chubby. I think muscly is the word you're looking for" the whole table laughed and Bianca placed her hand on his chest

"Babe I've seen some of your baby pictures. They were chubby"

"I remember that night" Brax chuckled "Aww" he cooed at Heath "Your face went all red and I thought you were about to start crying. Mum had to make you mac and cheese just to get you to shut up" he laughed and Heath scowled

"Yea well I was justified. You can't be scuffing down seven slices and only leave me two"

"Errr Heath your were only four" said Martha and Heath shook his head

"That's beside the point. I was a growing boy"

"So you left the pizza and ate the mac and cheese?" asked Bianca and Brax shook his head

"Na, he ate the pizza and the mac and cheese"

"No" Bianca looked at, Heath wide eyed and, Heath gave a cheeky grinned and shrugged

"Like I said I was growing"

Casey chuckled "Never heard that story before" it was the first time he had ever heard of a happy memory from when any of them were younger, and it seemed Brax and Heath realised it too, because they looked at Cheryl and gave her a smile

Chery smiled back and exhaled

"Something's never change then" grinned Ruby, as she looked at the empty plates

Cheryl shook her head "Afraid not"

Charlie rolled her eyes "Yea well if this kid has the Braxton gene as well..." she ran her hand over her bump "We're gonna go broke before end of the year just from all the money we're gonna spend on food"

"They're growing kids. They need to eat"

Bianca chuckled "Eat yes. What they just did was more like inhale the food" she groaned as Reece patted his stomach, a low burp coming from him

"Reece" Bianca scolded but Reece simply smiled sweetly at her

"Sorry, excuse me" Reece said giving his stomach another pat "I'm just really full"

"In that case I guess you guys won't have any space for dessert?" said Charlie and Hope and Caleb's eyes widened

"We no too full" said Hope and everyone burst out laughing. Hope pouted "Daddy I want my dessert"

Brax chuckled and brushed a crumb from her cheek "Mummy is just teasing"

Hope and Caleb visibly exhaled in relief and Charlie stood from the table and started clearing up with the help of Martha and Bianca

Watching Charlie walk away Ruby exhaled "I'm just glad, you guys were only kidding about mum cooking"

Brax and Casey laughed "Yeah, that's tomorrow night"

Ruby groaned "Of course it is"

Charlie exhaled lightly as she pulled one of Brax's T shirts over her head "I'm exhausted" she said between a yawn

Brax rinsed out his mouth before walking out of the bathroom

"It has been a long day, hasn't it?"

Charlie nodded as she slipped into bed "Yea but a good one too"

Brax nodded in agreement, as he pulled his sweats down, flung them onto the end of the bed before climbing in beside Charlie. Pulling her closer, he smiled as Charlie settled against him, her head resting on his chest

"Let's just hope we keep having good days like this. I need a couple of drama free years… or ten"

Brax chuckled "I can't argue with you there, but I think we're gonna be all good now"

Charlie nodded, she felt a sense of calm she hadn't felt in a while "I think so too" she ran her hand over Brax's bare chest, a slow smile tugging on her lips "I think the twins liked hearing a few stories of when you guys were younger today" said Charlie, Brax's hand now running a low circle over the top of her arm "I don't think even I've ever heard those stories"

Brax smiled lightly "Yea, I guess things changed so quickly, and we spent more years being a train wreck of a family that we kind forgot that there were a few odd good times when we were younger. They weren't often but they still occurred. Mostly when dad wasn't around but before he left for good"

Charlie shook her head "I still can't believe you suggested flushing Heath down the toilet when he was born"

Brax chuckled "The boy wouldn't stop crying, I was simply thinking about the state of my sanity"

Charlie chuckled "Don't think Hope's gonna be suggesting we flush this little one down the toilet, do you?" she placed her hand that had been on Brax's chest onto her stomach "She's still not come round to the idea of a new brother or sister. When Ruby was talking about bubba before, I thought Hope was gonna throw a temper tantrum. She hung to you like a leech"

"She's just a little protective of her awesome dad" Brax winked at Charlie "Don't think she would mind a brother" he palced his hand over Charlie's

"Yea just not a sister" said Charlie looking up at Brax "That girl just doesn't want to share you does she?"

Brax grinned "None of my girls want to share me" he sighed dramatically "Being as perfect as I am can be exhausting sometimes"

Charlie chuckled and hit his chest lightly "I'm being serious. What if we do have a girl?"

Brax sighed "Hope is harmless, she'll come around and if she doesn't we just have to make sure we keep the bathroom locked at all times so she doesn't flush her sister down the toilet"

Charlie laughed, shaking her head before she snuggled in closer to Brax

"Stop worrying" said Brax placing a kiss on her hair line "Get some sleep" he added as Charlie yawned

"Yes sir" she smiled looking up at him, before leaning up slightly and placing a kiss on his lips "Night

"Night" replied Brax, before turning off the bedside lamp on his side

Rubbing his eyes, Brax walked into the kitchen. Opening the fridge he pulled the apple juice out of the fridge and drank straight from the bottle

"I'll be telling mum tomorrow"

Brax jerked back, his hand on his chest, spinning around to see Ruby stood by the sink, a glass of water in her hand.

"You trying to give me a heart attack?" he closed the lid of the apple juice and placed it back in the fridge "And you won't be telling your mum anything, pregnancy as made her meaner. You wouldn't want to be responsible for her hurting me would you?"

Ruby shrugged with a grin "It depends, do I get anything out of keeping my lips sealed?"

Brax shook his head and a smile tugged at the corner of his lips "And she's back" Ruby laughed and Brax grinned "How about when Casey is ready to part from you. We have a day out, go to that little beach I took you to a while back"

Ruby smiled and nodded as she rinsed out her glass"I would love that" she walked around the kitchen aisle and took Brax by surprise when she wrapped her arms around him and pressed her head to his chest. Brax smiled and wrapped her in his arms

"What's this in aid of?"

Ruby shrugged, still hugging him. Brax's smile deepened and he placed a kiss on her hair line "I love you too kiddo" he pulled away slowly at held her at arm's length "You may not have my name but you're my kid, you know that"

Ruby smiled and nodded "I know"

"I was about to send out a search party for you" said Casey as Ruby slipped back into bed

Ruby smiled "I didn't even know you were awake"

"Only just woke up" said Casey, pulling Ruby to him

"I've missed being here like this" said Ruby her eyes closing slowly

Casey smiled "I've missed you too"

Brax chuckled lightly as, Charlie, curled into him the instant he got into bed

"Miss me already"

"Not you" spoke Charlie, her eyes closed "Just your chest" she snuggled deeper into him and Brax grinned "Ok maybe you just a little" Charlie added sleepily as Brax lay one hand on her hip before they both fell asleep

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  • 2 weeks later...

Thanks for the comments JarlieFanEver and Pembie. Enjoy :)

CHAPTER TWENTY NINE

Brax chuckled lightly as, Charlie, curled into him the instant he got into bed

"Miss me already"

"Not you" spoke, Charlie, her eyes closed "Just your chest" she snuggled deeper into him and Brax grinned "Ok maybe you just a little" Charlie added sleepily as Brax lay one hand on her hip before they both fell asleep

Three months later


"Hope Elise, get back here now" Charlie called after Hope, who was running down the hall, in her panties "Hope, I won't ask you again"

Hope shook her head "I no want to" she shouted and Charlie exhaled, getting tired of Hope's recent behaviour

"Fine"said Charlie, and walked into the living room, looking at Hope who was standing at the other end of the couch, ready to run if Charlie tried to come after her "I'll just go speak to your Nana Elise, in heaven and tell her to tell Santa not to bring you anything for Christmas this year because you have been a very naughty girl"

"Nana cant dont that. She no friends with Santa"

"No, everyone in heaven is friends with Santa. And that includes Nana Elise and grand dad Ross"

Hope's, eyes widened and she shook her head "No, don't. I no being a naughty girl"

"Yes you are and Santa is going to hear all about this" Charlie went to turn and Hope, balled her fists up, her eyes filling with tears

"It no fair" her bottom lip wobbled and Charlie turned back to face her "I want my pwesents"

Charlie sighed "Naughty girls don't get presents and right now you are being naughty"

"But I no want to bath"

"You have to" Charlie glanced back at the bathroom knowing, Caleb, was in there alone "So are you coming with mummy or am I going to go have to let Nana Elise know she needs to talk to Santa about you"

Hope shook her head and wiped her arm over her wet eyes "I coming"

Charlie smiled lightly as Hope moved away from the back of the couch before walking down the hall. Charlie looked up as the front door opened and Ruby and Brax walked in

"Hey" Brax and Ruby, spoke simultaneously and ,Charlie, grumbled a reply before turning and walking back down the hall and into the bathroom

Ruby and Brax glanced at one another

"How much you willing to bet, her mode as something to do with Hope?" said, Ruby, as she walked into the kitchen, pulling a bottle water from the fridge

Brax, exhaled and rubbed his hand against the back of his neck "I don't doubt it for a second"

"Well, thank you for today" said Ruby. She and Brax, had had another day out and had opted to go back to the beach that was soon becoming their favourite spot "But I'm gonna leave you guys to it. No doubt, Hope, is going to protest to another baby sister before the night is over"

Brax sighed "I best go check to make sure she doesn't have Charlie crying in a corner of the bathroom"

Ruby, chuckled before walking down the hall and into her room. Her phone in her hand as she called, Casey, to let him know she and Brax, were back home
...
"Hey" Brax leaned against the bathroom door, smiling at Hope and Caleb, before he looked over at Charlie "How was your day?" walking to Charlie, he placed a kiss on her temple and Charlie looked up at him

"Sorry about before" she said and smiled as he placed a proper kiss on her lips and like always, Hope and Caleb, covered their eyes till Brax told them they could once again look

"Daddy I no be naughty today" Caleb said "But Hope did. She run away from mummy"

Hope shook her head, splashing water at Caleb "No, I no be naughty"

Brax cocked an eyebrow "Why don't I believe that" he walked over to the tub and crouched down in front of the twins "Why don't you go get some rest and I'll get these two cleaned and ready for bed

"Ok" Charlie nodded, to tired to protest, before stepping out of the bathroom

"Good night guys" Brax placed a kiss on Hope's, temple and then on Caleb's "And you guys stay in bed tonight ok" he looked at, Hope "Especially you missus"

Hope gave a sweet smile "Pwomise"

Brax shook his head with a little smile "Ok". He stood and turned the light off, stepping out of the room before going back into the living room, where Charlie was curled up, asleep

"Hey" Brax slipped in next to her, his arms rubbing the soles of her feet as she woke slowly "Long day?" he asked and Charlie sighed

"Something like that" she groaned in appreciation as Brax applied a bit more pressure to the soles of her feet "How was your day?"

"Good" Brax nodded "I swear, Rubes is getting better at surfing than I am"

Charlie gave a small smile "I'm thinking me and you need to start having a, Charlie and Brax, day once a month as well, or maybe one a week"

Brax smiled "That would be nice" his hand moved up her feet, gently caressing her calf's and making their way up "So you gonna tell me what had you cranky earlier?"

Charlie rolled her eyes "Take a guess" she spoke and sighed "She really isn't taking well to this baby, Brax. Everyday her behaviour keeps getting worse and don't even get me started on when anyone mentions or speaks about the baby"

Brax sighed "She'll get used to the idea. She's just scared things are gonna change"

Charlie shook her head "You keep saying she'll get used to the idea but I really don't see that happening anytime soon" Charlie rubbed her now fairly big bump, being at seven months "The baby is due in two months Brax" she exhaled "I don't want her trying to flush this baby down the toilet"

Brax, laughed even as Charlie glared at him "Hope, isn't going to try and flush the baby down the toilet" Brax placed one hand on Charlie's bump and smiled as the baby kicked "See pip agrees with me. Look ,Hope's, scared but once the baby comes and she see we still love her the same, she'll be back to her old self. Plus pip might might be a boy"

Charlie grumbled under her breath "I hope you are right about her going back to her old self, especially if we do have a girl. I just want her to be excited like, Caleb"

"And she will be… in time" Brax added as ,Charlie, cocked a disbelieving eyebrow

"I still don't like that you're still working, Charlie" Brax spoke as he buttoned up his shirt

Charlie rolled her eyes. They had been having this same conversation since the pregnancy hit six months "And I have told you I am more than capable of doing my job. I'm not the first pregnant woman to ever work"

Brax sighed "And I know that, but not all those women are police officers"

"But some are" replied Charlie

"Yea and they usually tend to stick to desk work when they are this far along, Charlie" Brax walked over to her as she buttoned her own shirt "Being out there is too risky for you. It would honestly put my mind at ease if I didn't have to think of you answering call outs to deal with dodgy people"

"Brax, I'm not going to be taking part in any take down missions. I'll be with Jack at all times and we will only be answering local call outs. And we might not get any call outs"

"Even still…I don't like it"

"We won't be answering any life threatening call outs, Brax" Charlie, leaned up and kissed him "I promise"

"Charlie I told you to stay in the car" hissed Jack

"And I told you, just because I'm pregnant don't mean I can't do my job anymore" Charlie stood beside him, staring the group down

Jack, groaned and muttered under his breath before turning back to the mangrove river boys that were staring at him with disinterest

"I've told you guys once, clear away from here ok. If not you'll be spending the night behind bars"

All the four guys burst out laughing, and one cocked his head slightly as he looked at Charlie

"You're a pretty thing" he grinned "How about a quickie?" he winked at her "I'm sure we can work around the bump"

All his mates burst out laughing and, Charlie, went to step forward but ,Jack, quickly blocked her path

"One last warning guys" Jack glared at them, and stepped forward. He had already called in two more officer's knowing that this particular set of guys weren't easily rattled by the police

"Or what?" one stepped to him, his face only inches from Jack. Somehow, Jack, knew this wasn't going to end well, turning to Charlie to tell her to step back, he felt himself stagger back as a punch landed on his jaw. Before he could regain a steady stance the guys ran in different directions and, Jack's, head snapped back as he heard Charlie scream

"Charlie" he crouched down to her side as she held to her stomach "Charlie?" looking at her he could see her clenching her jaw and her eyes glazed over

"I landed on my stomach, Jack" her voice shook and a tear dropped "He pushed me and…" she stopped talking and clenched her stomach

"Charlie Braxton" Brax all but shouted at the woman behind the hospital desk "Where is she?"

"Sir could you please calm down" the woman gave him a disapproving look but Brax, didn't seem to care

"I don't want to calm down. I need to see my wife, she…"

"Brax"

Brax, stopped talking and turned around as he heard ,Jack, call his name

"Where is she?" Brax ran to Jack, his eyes searching his surrounding as if hoping to find Charlie

"We only just got here Brax. She's in with one of the doctors"

"What the hell happened?" asked, Brax. He had bolted from the restaurant as Jack had called and said that they were taking Charlie to the hospital. Something about a fall "You said she fell?"

Jack nodded, lowering his head for a moment he exhaled before looking up to, Brax "We got a call out to Mangrove River. Those same guys I've told you about before were causing havoc again. I told Charlie to stay in the car but then I turn around and she's stood right beside me"

Brax's gaze looked thunderous "But how the hell did she fall?"

"One of the guys punched me and when they were trying to get away, one pushed Charlie" Jacks eyes softened "Brax, she says she landed on her stomach"

Brax inhaled sharply, and before Jack could say another word he was storming down the hallway

"What room is she in?" called Brax

"142" answered Jack. The doctor had told him, in case, Brax, turned up before they were through. Running his hand through his hair, Jack, slumped down onto a chair and cursed under his breath

"Just take deep breaths" said the doctor that had introduced herself to Charlie and Doctor Andrews

Charlie inhaled deeply and exhaled. Her head turned to the door as ,Brax, all but sprinted in. Her eyes met his and she knew she had seen a level of anger there before he took in her face and his gaze softened

Walking into the room, Brax stopped beside Charlie. Brushing the whispers of hair that had fallen from her bun back, he looked down at her

"How you feeling?" he asked. He bent slightly and placed a kiss on her forehead

Charlie pursed her lips and shrugged, not knowing what to say. They both turned to doctor Andrews, as she spoke

"You must be Mr Braxton" she asked with a small smile and Brax nodded

"How is she? And the baby?" he questioned

"We're just about to check on your baby now Mr Braxton"

Brax, watched impatiently as everything was set up, his hand in Charlie's as they both waited to hear the sound of their baby's heart beat

Charlie's grip on Brax's hand tightened, as the wait seemed to take forever. She felt herself tremble as the doctor moved the probe around her belly but no heartbeat was heard. Charlie hadn't felt the baby kick once since the fall which was unusual

"What's wrong?" asked Brax, it had never taken this long to hear the heart beat before

Doctor Andrews looked up "Baby might just be in an awkward position, just give it a few more seconds"

Those seconds seemed like hours but finally a strong heartbeat filled the room, and Charlie exhaled, her head dropping back to the pillow

"There it is" Doctor Andrews smiled "Strong steady heartbeat"

"So the baby is fine?" asked Brax

Doctor Andrews nodded "Yes. The baby is fine" she handed Charlie a dry towel to clean up her stomach before Charlie sat up pushing her shirt over her bump "Our main concern was to be sure that baby was still firmly attached to the placenta and seeing as that is the case there is no need to worry ourselves"

"But what about the cramps?" as Charlie said this, she avoided looking at Brax, but she could feel his gaze on her

"I think it's safe to say that those were contractions due to the fall. However it's nothing that won't subside with plenty rest and lots of fluid. So I will suggest you try and stay of your feet as much as possible and maybe think about keeping a bottle of water with you at all times"

"And that will stop her having any more contractions" Brax knew it was way too early to have this baby

Doctor Andrews nodded "I don't see any reason why not" she stood to her feet "I do want you to come straight back in if you do suffer any more sever or continuous cramps"

Charlie nodded "Ok"

Jack had returned to the station after waiting on Brax and Charlie, wanting to make sure everything was ok. Allowing Charlie go home with Brax, Jack reassured her, he would let Joyce know what was happening

Now sat besides Brax, Charlie glanced at him as he drove in silence. Although he had been attentive while they were at the hospital, he hadn't said one word since they left. She knew he was angry with her, especially since he had voiced his concerns about her working that very morning. She wanted to say something, get him to talk to her but she knew it was best to let him work through his anger before trying to speak to him. The last thing she wanted was to argue with him

Stepping into the house, Charlie turned to ,Brax, but he simply walked past her and into the kitchen. Her gaze followed him and she sighed. She had wanted to leave him be for a while but she couldn't. Following him into the kitchen, she watched as he opened the fridge and pulled out a bottle of water

"Brax" she called but received no reply "I'm sorry I got out of the car, ok"

Brax turned to her and placed the bottle of water down in front of her "Keep this with you. You heard the doctor, you need plenty fluids. If you don't want water there is some juice in the fridge" he walked past her and out of the kitchen "I've got to get back to work" Charlie jumped slightly and winced as the front door slammed shut.

Looking down at the bottle of water, she picked it up and walked into their room, where she changed into one of Brax's shirts that now stretched over her bump and some cotton shorts, before she slipped into bed. She had a feeling ,Brax, was going to be mad at her for a while

Placing her hand on her bump, she sighed "I'm sorry I didn't listen to daddy and uncle Jack. I didn't mean to put you in danger and I promise not to do it again" she smiled lightly as she felt the baby kick for the first time since the fall

"Charlie" Bianca called as she walked into the house "You in" she looked around the living room and frowned. Brax, had said he had left Charlie at home

"Charlie?" she called again

"In here"

Bianca followed Charlie's voice to her and Brax's bedroom. Pushing the door open slightly, Bianca smiled as she looked at the empty ice cream container on the bed side table and the newly opened container on Charlie's lap with a jar of pickles. Bianca's eyes flickered to the TV on the other side of the room and she chuckled as she realised ,Charlie, was watching the proposal

"Hey" Bianca dropped her bag at the end of the bed and walked to the other side "Brax gave me his keys. He though you might be sleeping but wanted me to check on you"

"Probably just wanted to make sure I hadn't sneaked back to work" answered Charlie and ,Bianca, kicked of her sandals and swung both her legs up onto the bed

"Yeah" Bianca sighed "Jack told Martha, what happened and she told me. She would have been here with me but she can't get away from the surf club right now. How you feeling?"

"Ok I guess" Charlie answered with a shrug

"And baby?" asked Bianca

"Baby is fine. Thank God" Charlie dug a chunk from her tub of ben n jerry's and shoved it into her mouth "How was Brax when you saw him?"

Bianca winced slightly

"That bad?" questioned Charlie

"Let's just say in the five minutes I was at the restaurant he had managed to put the fear of God in a few of the staff and the customers weren't getting a five star service… at least not from, Brax"

"So, on a scale of one to ten, how angry would you say he looked?" asked Charlie

Bianca chuckled "Honestly… a good 20"

Charlie swung her head back "Great. He barely said two words to me when he dropped me off home. Apart from telling me to stay hydrated" She picked up the bottle of water that was now almost empty and gave it a good shake before placing it back down on the bed "He was attentive at the hospital, asking if I was ok but as soon as we were out of there… nothing" she pouted. Another spoon of ice cream making its way into her mouth

"Well, I'm guessing he didn't want you freaking out at the hospital especially when you both weren't sure what was going on. But now… well" Bianca sighed "You really should have listen to Jack and stayed in the car, Charlie"

"Oh great, now you're on their side"

"No" Bianca shook her head "I'm on your side, and baby's side" she placed her hand on Charlie's bump "You and baby could have been really injured, Charlie. And I'm pretty sure that is what Brax is angry about. He loves you and you put yourself at risk even though he asked you not to"

Charlie narrowed her eyes "How do you know he asked me not to?"

"He was saying something about it to Heath, before I left the restaurant. Well actually it was more like he was growling"

"It's my job. I can't stop working every time I'm knocked up"

"Did he ask you to stop working or did he just ask you to stop doing field work?"

Charlie, bit into her bottom lip, a guilty look on her face "I can't be stuck behind a desk for months Bianca, it will drive me crazy"

"Yea well, at least it will ensure no harm comes to you and baby. And I think that's the most important thing, don't you? Plus you're already seven months along. At best you would only have to do desk work for five weeks before your maternity leave started"

Charlie exhaled. Bianca was right and she should have listened to ,Brax, but somehow she let her stubbornness get the better of her. Nothing new there

"I've got a feeling I'm gonna be doing a lot of grovelling tonight" muttered Charlie

Charlie's eyes fluttered open; she hadn't even known when she had fallen asleep. The last thing she remembered was Bianca leaving because she had an afternoon period. Shifting slightly, she stilled as she bumped into something. Turning around she smiled lightly as she saw ,Hope, curled up next to her, her hands holding onto the back of Brax's shirt that Charlie had on. She hadn't even heard or felt ,Hope, come into the room.

Leaning forward, Charlie lightly pushed ,Hope's, curls from her face; her face looked so tiny as she slept. Just as ,Charlie, went to pull her hand away from Hope's cheek, Hope's eyes opened and closed for a few seconds before they finally opened fully

"Hey sweetie" Charlie leaned in and placed a kiss on ,Hope's temple. She smiled as, Hope's arms wound around her bump. It had been a while since Hope had given her a hug. Up until now she had wanted to stay as far away from Charlie's bump as possible. Wrapping ,Hope. tightly in her arm, Charlie buried her head in ,Hope's hair for a moment before pulling away

"You miss me, today?" she asked and Hope looked up at her and nodded. She noticed, Hope's eyes travel down to her bump a few times but Hope said nothing on the topic

Charlie looked up as the door opened and, Brax, came into view "You're awake" he said and glanced down at Hope "Both of you"

Charlie, sighed as ,Hope, pulled away and shuffled to the end of the bed before she proceeded to climb down, feet first

"Why don't you go play with Caleb" said Brax "Foods nearly done"

Hope, nodded and quietly left the room.

Charlie cocked an eyebrow, never had her daughter made a quiet exit… ever

"Is she ok?" Charlie sat up on the bed, reaching for the bottle of water that Bianca had brought in for her before leaving

Brax nodded "Yea" he rubbed the back of his neck, but didn't move from the foot of the door "Ruby said, Hope, ran in here after she brought her and Caleb home and because of the position you were sleeping in, she saw the cuts and grazes on your arm"

Charlie frowned. What cuts and grazes was he talking about? She looked down to her left arm and then to her right before she saw that she did indeed have a few small barely noticeable cuts and light grazes that were now red on her arm. She hadn't noticed before but then again she had been too concentrated on the baby being ok, to really think about herself

"I hadn't realised" said Charlie and Brax nodded

"Yea well, Caleb was pacified when Ruby explained that you just had a tiny fall and that you were perfectly fine but, Hope, refused to leave and said she wanted to wait till you woke up. Ruby cleaned the cut up but apparently you were out of it and didn't even stir"

"I am sorry about this, Brax" said Charlie. He didn't seem as angry as he had been earlier in the day but she knew it hadn't dissolved completely

"It's fine. I've made lasagna, it's almost ready and you need to eat"

Charlie nodded and pushed the quilt from her body and stretched

"I'll just go set the table" said Brax before turning around and walking away

Charlie shook her head. So maybe he was still angry with her, but she had said sorry, what more could she do?

Ruby and Casey glanced at one another, the tension in the room not having gone un noticed for most of the night. It had been awkward that afternoon but not too awkward with the twins there to keep everyone entertained.

"We're just gonna head in for the night" said Ruby standing to her feet and pulling Casey along with her. Ruby giving, Charlie, a small smile

"Night" said Casey, to which, Charlie replied before both Ruby and Casey disappeared into their room

Charlie sat biting into her bottom lip as she heard, Brax, moving around in the kitchen. It was only 9.47, too early for bed so, Charlie, knew Ruby and Casey probably just wanted to get away from the tension radiating off Brax

Walking out of the kitchen, Brax, frowned "Ruby and Casey gone to bed?"

Charlie nodded "Yep"

"I might call it a night too. You coming?" asked Brax. Charlie, looked up to see him already walking down the hall. Exhaling out of frustration she stood to her feet turned off the TV and the living room light before walking into their bedroom.

Blowing out a breath, Charlie, walked to the bathroom and stopped at the door as she saw Brax brushing his teeth. She stood and watched him, knowing he had seen her but yet he said nothing till he rinsed out his mouth. He looked up into the mirror at her and cocked a questioning eyebrow

"I've said I'm sorry. It's not like I was aiming to fall, Brax. I should have listened to ,Jack, when he asked me to stay in the car, ok. I'm sorry but you can't give me the silent treatment forever. I already feel bad about today I don't need you to make me feel worse" Charlie crossed her arms over her bump but refrained at the last minute from stomping her feet

"I'm not trying to make you feel bad" was the only reply Brax gave before walking out of the bathroom

Charlie, gaped at him "Really, well you're doing a very bad job of it"

Brax pulled his shirt over his head and, unzipped his jeans letting them drop to the floor, before placing it near the end of the bed. Running his hands over his face he sighed

"Charlie, I'm not looking to fight ok. I just want to get some sleep"

Charlie scoffed "You're not looking to fight but its ok for you to make me feel like crap even after I've apologised about not listening to, Jack"

Brax clenched his jaw "I don't want you to listen to, Jack, I want you to listen to me" he tried to keep his voice down not wanting to wake the twins or have Ruby and Casey hearing them argue. He stomped over to his wardrobe and pulled out one of his sweats before pulling them on

"What does that mean?"

Brax, spun around to face, Charlie "It means just that, Charlie. I want you to listen to me when I tell you something rather than brushing it aside because it's not what you want"

Charlie stood, eyes wide, mouth slightly agape "That's not fair" she pursed her lips

"Isn't it?" questioned Brax "Because it seems to me whenever we have a discussion about most things the only time you listen to me is when you don't care either way. I tell you something and you just push it aside and give me a reason as to why I shouldn't worry. But I do worry Charlie, because you're my wife"

"All this because I won't stop working" said Charlie, her eyebrows pinched together

Brax shook his head "No, all this because you didn't even consider that my asking you to not go out on the field was for your own safety and the safety of our child. And I never asked you to stop working"

"But you know I don't want to spend weeks on end doing desk work" said Charlie, her voice rising slightly. Her eyes had now glazed over, and she had lowered herself to the edge of the bed

"And I don't feel it necessary to have one of the staff stay behind with me when we close late at night, but I do and why?" Brax, questioned "Because you said you didn't like that I was there so late at night by myself. You asked if I could have at least someone help and I obliged not because I felt it was necessary but because it meant you didn't worry so much. You didn't like when I had to meet suppliers late in the day, in the city, because it meant having to drive back by myself late at night and you didn't think that was always a good idea. So what do I do? I make sure to schedule them all for early in the morning regardless of the fact that I then have to get up at the crack of dawn just so I can get back home on time, again I do this just so you don't worry" he exhaled, shook his head and moved to his side of the bed before getting in.

Charlie sat still for a while. Thinking over what Brax had said, only made her feel even guiltier, because he was right. If something made her feel uncomfortably, Brax went out of his way to correct it but she simply just shrugged him off and ignored all his concerns. Slowly slipping into bed, she sighed as, Brax, turned off the bed side lamp on his side, his back to her

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  • 2 weeks later...

Thanks for the comments. :)

CHAPTER THIRTY

Charlie sat still for a while; thinking over what Brax had said, only made her feel even guiltier. Because he was right. If something made her feel uncomfortably, Brax went out of his way to correct it but she simply just shrugged him off and ignored all his concerns. Slowly slipping into bed, she sighed as Brax turned off the bed side lamp on his side, his back to her

"So, he's still not over the whole, you getting knocked over thing?" asked ,Martha, as she pushed, Oliver's, buggy back and forth not wanting him to wake

Charlie, sighed as she shook her head "Nope. He says it's ok but it's not. I got a kiss on the cheek this morning before he left" Charlie pouted "I don't like it when he's angry at me or not talking to me"

Martha used her free hand to pick up her wrap "Well you could have been seriously hurt. Brax, is probably just worried for you and baby, you know how he gets. Just let him be broody for a while "

Charlie, nodded "I know" she exhaled as she rubbed her hand over her bump "I wouldn't have forgiven myself if anything had happened to baby and…Brax is right"

Martha frowned "About what? You not working out on the field? Because I agree with that too ,actually I think we all do "

Charlie, shook her head "Yeah about that, but he…" she sighed "Last night when I kinda flipped on him and asked why he was trying to make me feel bad when I had already apologised, he said that I never listen to him"

Martha, lifted her shake to her lips and took a big gulp "I'm sure you do"

Charlie exhaled "Not when it's important I don't. And he always listens to me, especially when I'm worrying even if he thinks I'm being crazy"

"So just listen to him more" said Martha "Plus it's not like you knew you was gonna get knocked over but decided to confront them regardless"

"Yeah but he said he didn't like it and I should have taken that into consideration" Charlie couldn't forget Brax's words from the night before mainly because she couldn't deny them

Martha looked at Charlie as if in thought "I'll be honest and say yes, you should have taken his concerns into account but at the same time it's not too late to do just that" she stabbed her side salad with a fork before putting it into her mouth

"Yea well, as of week after next I'm officially on maternity leave"

Martha cocked an eyebrow "I thought you wanted to stay on for a few more weeks longer than that"

"Yea well that was before I got knocked over and my husband stopped speaking to me"

Martha laughed lightly "You're so dramatic. He hasn't stopped speaking to you; he's just being broody which isn't unusual for Brax"

"Yeah well I don't like broody Brax, unless we're under the sheets" Charlie gave a small smile and Martha, laughed a little louder but quickly quietened down as Oliver, stirred in his sleep

"That mind of yours is filthy" said Martha and Charlie laughed

"It's due to all the time I've spent with you" Charlie looked down at her watch and sighed "I have to get back to work; well, back to manning the desk"

Martha looked up as Charlie stood to her feet "Manning the desk?"

Charlie nodded "Yep, as of this morning I asked to be put on desk duty till my maternity leave starts"

Martha cocked her head and smiled lightly "You really don't like Brax being mad at you do you?"

Charlie shook her head "Hate it" she pushed her chair back into place "Well at least until we make up" she winked, said good bye to, Oliver, and left, Martha, who was still laughing at her words

"How's it going behind there" Jack, spoke with a grin as he approached the front desk, where Charlie was sat going through paperwork

Looking up at Jack, Charlie glared at him clearly unimpressed by the look on his face "You looking for something, Holden?"

Jack, leaned onto the desk and sighed "Shame you wasn't out there with me today. The commotion down at the surf club was something to see" he sighed dramatically "Oh well, you'll be back in a few months, hey"

Picking up the first thing her hand could reach, Charlie flung her pen at Jack, hitting him on the head

"Ouch" Jack stepped back, his hand frantically rubbing at his head "You do know I could get you arrested for that? That is assault"

Charlie chuckled and stuck her tongue out at him "Just you try. Plus you deserved it"

Jack frowned, still rubbing at his head "I might just ask for a new partner, one that hasn't got violent tendencies"

"Go right ahead" Charlie shrugged "But don't come crawling back to me when your new partner isn't as awesome as I am"

Jack scoffed just as Watson headed around the desk "You hassling her again?" she asked Jack and Jack gasped

"Me, hassling her? She's the one attacking me with pens"

"You deserved it" said Charlie "You're just lucky there wasn't anything sharper nearby"

Jack's eyes widened mockingly "You hear that"

Watson shook her head and walked round the desk "The both of you are something else"

"Yeah, something awesome" Jack, called after her and Charlie laughed as he flexed his muscles

"Hello?" Ruby walked into the house, Casey behind her "Mum? Brax?" she stood for a moment before a slow smile crossed her face

"So" she held her hands out at her side "It seems we actually have the place to ourselves" her eyes widened playfully "Can you believe that?"

Casey chuckled "Err yeah actually I can. Seeing as both Charlie and Brax told us they were working today. That is why you made that lame excuse to April and Dex and dragged me all the way back here"

"I really did have to pee"

Casey chuckled "And you couldn't do that at Dex's place?"

Ruby shook her head "No it had to be here"

Casey stepped forward and wrapped his arms around, Ruby's, waist pulling her to him "Just be honest Rubes. You wanted me all to yourself"

Ruby scoffed even as her hands trailed up his chest "And why would I want that"

"So you can have your wicked way with me" grinned Casey

Ruby sighed and pushed away from him "I actually just needed the toilet" she turned from him, so as to hide her smile "We can get going as soon as I'm done" she squealed as Casey wrapped his arms around her for behind

"I'd rather you take advantage of me" he whispered into her ears before Ruby turned in his arms

Running her arms up his chest, she locked them around his neck "It would be bad of me to not give my boyfriend what he wants" she grinned

Casey nodded "Really, really bad" bending down, he placed a slow kiss on her lips , his hand moving up her back

"Oi" Ruby and Casey sprung apart to find, Brax, stood at the kitchen door "Mind keeping that to a minimum when people are about"

Ruby sighed and Casey groaned "There was nobody about"

Brax frowned "Err… I'm right here"

Casey glared at him "You weren't before. I though you were working?"

"I am. Just came to pick up my phone, I left it" Brax clicked his tongue and cleared his throat. Looking at the dining table he picked up his phone and turned back to Ruby "But now I've found you" he gripped Casey's neck lightly "I need you at the restaurant. We're short on staff"

"What?" both Casey and Ruby said at the same time

Brax cleared his throat, making sure not to laugh "You heard" he pushed Casey to the door "You coming Ruby?"

He heard her grunt and turned to see her practically throwing daggers at him with her eyes and Casey looked like he was about to cry

"I hate you" said Casey as Brax closed the door behind them

"I love you guys too" said Brax, grinning to himself

Charlie walked into the house and frowned, it was quiet, too quiet. Closing the door behind her, she dropped her keys on the dining table and stood in the living room for a moment trying to listen out for any sounds. She placed her hand on her bump as the baby kick

"I agree" she said "Something isn't right here" the twins should be home, therefore it shouldn't be this quiet. Those two together made it seem at times as if there were ten kids in the house

"Brax" she called as she made her way down the hall. Opening up the twin's room, she frowned as she found it empty. Then she proceeded to hers and Brax's room and same result; empty. Digging her phone out of her pocket she dialled Brax's number as she walked to her wardrobe, stepping out of her shoes on the way

Just as it rang, she heard the front door shutting and closely followed was Hope's giggles along with Caleb's voice "And they're here" cutting off the call before Brax could pick she changed into her maternity shorts and one of Brax's shirts. Walking out of the room, she was met by the laughter of both Hope and Caleb

"Hey guys" she smiled down at the twins as they ran to her, wrapping their arms around her legs "You guys have a good day?" she ran her hands through both their hair, looking down at them

Hope and Caleb nodded "The bestest" said Hope her smile bright

"Daddy let us be waites" said Caleb and Brax chuckled

"He means waiters" Brax smiled lightly

"Aww that sounds nice. Did you guys make any tips?" asked Charlie and both the twins nodded after having Brax explained why people were giving them money

"We made so many" said Hope "But daddy took thems all" she looked to Brax and frowned

Charlie laughed "Well I'm sure daddy is just keeping it safe for you"

"Well they actually made about 90 dollars between the two of them and all they did was follow me from table to table and very carefully help place some napkin on tables" said Brax, and Charlie's eyes widened "It seems the doe eyed look and innocent smile doesn't just work on you and me"

Brax placed a quick kiss on Charlie's cheek "Brought us back some dinner form the restaurant. These two insisted that we have spaghetti bolognese tonight" stepping to the dining table Brax, pulled the containers from the paper bag

"Hey mum" Ruby walked out of the kitchen, Casey following and both of them carrying plates and cutleries, placing them on the table

"How was your day? asked Charlie and Ruby and Casey shrugged

"Alright" Casey muttered and Charlie chuckled

"Don't sound too convincing"

"He's just sulking" replied Brax, as he walked into the kitchen "Hope, Caleb, come wash your hands before dinner" Hope and Caleb finally detached themselves from Charlie as they both ran into the kitchen

"No I's first" Charlie heard Caleb say and she shook her head

She looked back at Casey and Ruby who were already sat at the table "What did Brax do?"

Ruby cleared her throat "Nothing"

"I'll tell you later" said Brax, the smile in his voice clear

Ruby rolled her eyes and Casey groaned

"We'll get you back, you know that" said Ruby and she heard Brax laugh just as Hope and Caleb bounded back into the living room

"I'd like to see you try"

Charlie frowned in confusion but smiled a little, thinking at least Brax seemed as if he was no longer angry with her

"I so hungry" said Caleb and Charlie chuckled

"We best get you feed them" she lightly stroked his hair before dishes out his and Hope's food. She smiled up at Brax as he placed a jar of marmite on the table. She seemed to be eating everything with marmite and was sure once she had the baby even she would be disgusted in her food choices but for now it tasted good

"Thanks" she said and Brax smiled picking up his plate and serving himself

"That is just wrong on so many different levels" Ruby screwed her face up as she watched Charlie drop a generous amount of marmite onto her plate

Charlie shrugged "It's not me it's the baby"

Charlie walked into the kitchen, the twins had just been put down for the night and Ruby and Casey were camped out in front of the TV.

"Hey" she spoke quietly. Brax was being nice to her but he wasn't speaking much "You need help?" she walked to his side but Brax. shook his head

"Na I got it. Done now" he rinsed the last of the dishes and dried it

"You still mad at me?" asked Charlie, biting into the corner of her bottom lip, her hands lay flat on her bump

Brax sighed and shook his head "No" he glanced at her "How was your day?"

Charlie nodded "Ok. I didn't get up to much. Worked behind the desk" that seemed to get a little more of Brax's attention so she continued "I've asked to stay on desk work for the next two weeks and then I'm gonna take my maternity leave" Brax turned to her now, his eyebrow's knitted together

"You don't have to take your maternity leave early, Charlie. I know that's not what you want. But I am glad you'll only be working behind the desk now"

Charlie nodded "Yea but I know you would feel better if I didn't work so close to the due date" she placed one hand on his arm "I'm sorry I don't always take your feelings or concerns into account, I don't think and I really don't mean to be selfish"

Brax, shook his head "You're not selfish" he turned his whole body to her now "Just strong head" he offered a lightly smile, one which, Charlie, returned

"Yeah well regardless, I will try and listen to you more and I know me taking it easy close up to the due date will make you feel more comfortable, so that's what I'm going to do"

Brax gave a bigger smile this time, his hands slowly winding around her waist, bringing Charlie in as close as her bump would allow "Thank you" he said before leaning down and placing a kiss on her lips

Charlie smiled "I've missed you kissing me"

Brax chuckled "I kiss you everyday"

Charlie shook her head "You haven't given me a proper one since yesterday morning" she pouted and Brax laughed

"Well I'm sorry. How about I make up for it" leaning in he was about to place a kiss on Charlie's lips before Ruby appeared at the kitchen door

"Mum" Ruby spoke cheerfully and Brax and Charlie turned to her "I was thinking we could watch a movie" she walked over and gently pulled Charlie from Brax's arms "How about we pick a movie together"

Charlie frowned, clearly amused "Ok"

Walking out of the kitchen with, Charlie, Ruby turned to look at Brax, and mouthed "Payback" with a sly grin on her face she turned back around and Brax stood his mouth wide for a moment before he shook his head. He had no doubt Ruby was gonna do everything she could to keep him and Charlie apart for the rest of the night

Brax looked to Ruby with a frown; she was doing a good job of keeping him from even touching Charlie, a little too well. Clearing his throat he gave a fake yawn and stretched "I'm beat" he looked at Charlie "How about we head to bed, babe" he gave her a suggestive look, one eyebrow cocked and Charlie blushed, knowing what he meant

"Uhum" Charlie nodded "Sure. I'm kinda tried to"

Brax turned to Ruby and Casey and gave a big grin but it soon dropped as Ruby spoke again

"Er actually" Ruby sighed "Mum I was thinking maybe me and you could sleep in our room tonight, Casey's already said he doesn't mind taking the couch for one night"

"I really don't" said Casey, giving Brax a wicked grin

"It's just been a long time since we've had some time together. Just for tonight" she widened her brown eyes, a slight pout to her lips and Brax cursed under his breath

'Oh they are good, really good' thought Brax

"You could spend some time together tomorrow. Charlie finishes work at 4" said Brax and Charlie nodded

"Yeah we could go out after I finished work" Charlie, couldn't lie she wanted some alone time with Brax

Ruby sighed dramatically "Ok" she nodded "I just thought it would be fun if we had a little sort of sleep over" she shrugged and looked down at her lap "But tomorrow is good…I guess"

Brax wanted to cry because he knew it had worked, no way was Charlie gonna say no to that face and if not because he knew Ruby was simply putting it on to get back at him, he would have fallen for it to

"You know what. Let's do it" said Charlie and Brax groaned, shooting daggers at Casey and Ruby "It'll be fun"

Ruby smiled brightly "How about we head in now"

Charlie nodded and stood to her feet "Ok" she turned to Brax and was about to give him a kiss before Ruby tugged on her hand

"Let's go"

Charlie chuckled "Night babe"

Brax pouted feeling like he was about to cry "Night"

Once Ruby shut the door he turned to Casey, who was stretched out on the couch, his hands behind his head "I wouldn't usually chose to sleep on the couch but I have a feeling I'm gonna enjoy it tonight"

Brax knocked him upside the head "You kids are pure evil. This isn't over with. And you do know that this means you'll be all alone tonight. So you lose out just as much as I do"

Casey shrugged, his grin still placed "Worth it"

Brax growled at him before making his way down the hall, he stopped at Ruby and Casey's door for a moment wondering if he could come up with an excuse as to why Charlie had to spend the night in their own room. Coming up with nothing he walked into his and Charlie's room muttering curses under his breath

Brax groaned as he felt the bed dip slightly, his eyes taking a second or two to open. He smiled as he felt Charlie's hand move across his chest before he opened his eyes fully to look at her

"Uh, it's only you" he grinned, still sleepy "I thought it was one of my girlfriends I had invited over" His grin grew as Charlie slapped him lightly on the chest

"Yea I saw her on my way in, chucked her out" said Charlie, snuggling closer to Brax "I told her I don't like sharing, must especially my man"

Brax, chuckled, his arms now wrapped around Charlie, her head to his chest "What time is it?"

"Just gone 4" answered Charlie "Ruby is fast asleep"

"So what, you using me as a booty call before you abandon me again" said Brax and Charlie laughed

"Actually, I woke Casey up and had him go back into their room. What did you do to upset them that they were keeping us apart?"

Brax chuckled "You clocked onto that?"

Charlie nodded "I know when Ruby is acting"

"Well good because I don't like sleeping without you. I kinda cramped their style this afternoon. Pretty sure they were trying to sneak in some alone time but I dragged them down to the restaurant"

Charlie laughed, her laughter quiet and filled with sleep "You should know by now not to mess with those two. They will always get you back"

"Um. I'm starting to see that now" replied Brax

"So we good now?" she asked and Brax knew what she meant

"Yea, we're good." said Brax, his thumb running a slow circle on her back "I just want to know that you and baby are safe. And when Jack called…" he sighed "I was scared Charlie, I had all these different things running through my mind, you, the baby…"

"I am sorry" said Charlie, pressing her cheek to his chest

"I know" said Brax "Just please don't scare me like that again. My grey hairs are getting too much" Charlie laughed "However girls seem to dig that these days"

Charlie lifted her head slightly, her gaze on him, her eyebrows cocked "I see any girl even so much as give you the eye and I won't be held responsible for my actions"

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