callyha Posted August 5, 2010 Report Posted August 5, 2010 Carina, Danni, Charis, Sam, Sarah, scotcaz22, feckleface & charlie29: Thank you SO much for the LOVELY comments. I am SO GLAD you liked that chapter. Each comment you left I was like: fanks (Said with teary eyes) I hope you like this chapter. It focuses on Charlie, Ruby, Angelo, Ross, Morag and has a Roman part and Nicole is mentioned and present. Chapter 39 Charlie gently eased herself back down on the bed. She was in agony with her leg and her chest, but she didn't want Ruby to know how much pain she was in as she was unsure if it would cause Ruby to step back once again like she had done previously. Each movement she made caused her more pain than the one before and the intensity of the pain lasted longer . maybe I pushed myself too far this time Charlie thought to herself, hoping the slight distraction would take her mind off the pain. Ruby watched carefully as Charlie lay back down. She wanted to help, she hated seeing Charlie struggle to do something that is -or, in Charlie's case, used to be- a simple task. Charlie bit her lip as she made the maneuver, her eyes closed slightly each time she lowered further into the bed. she pushed herself too far. I pushed her too far. She needs to stop this, she needs to sleep What's wrong?" Charlie asked as she finally put her head on the pillows behind her "Nothing" Ruby lied "Rubes, I can see right through you" Charlie said as she squeezed her hand into a fist as she waited for the pain to wash over. "I'm fine" Ruby replied Charlie took a deep breath, brazing herself as she prepared herself to speak once more "Your not. I know you've watched me get back on the bed, and I know that you would be thinking something. You can tell me Rubes, that hasn't changed" "But everything else has" Ruby blurted, unable to control what came out of her mouth ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Angelo yawned for the ninth time. He looked shattered, he could barely keep his eyes open. Match sticks would buckle under the weight of his eyelids if they were placed to hold them up. Angelo wiped his face, hoping it would wake him up slightly. "Angelo, go home" Ross said "No. I'm fine" Angelo replied "You can barely keep your eyes open. YOu look like death" Ross added "Thanks" Angelo replied "I appreciate you been here, and I'm sure Charlie will when she finds out, but I can't watch you slowly slid down the wall in a daze" Ross said to Angelo as he walked over to him "I'm not going until I see that door open and I know Charlie and Ruby are ok" Angelo replied sternly. Ross smiled "Alright then I wont say anymore" "If we're going to be here for a while, I'll do a coffee run" Morag said as she rose to her feet. "I'll come with you" Angelo said as he stood upright. Ross and Morag looked at him. "Jam donuts. I think they still have some" Ross remained seated outside Charlie's room. Poised for quick action if Charlie or Ruby or both needed him. Morag and Angelo made there way to the canteen for the coffee's and donuts. "So you going to tell me what you're thinking?" Angelo asked as soon as they were out of Ross' earshot "Excuse me?" Morag asked, dumbfounded by what Angelo had just said "You have to be thinking something. Or at least bottling things up" "I have no idea what you are talking about" Morag said in denial. "Morag, come on, you of all people would have something to say" Morag and Angelo continued to walk along the corridor. Angelo was right, Morag did have things running through her mind, and she had no one to turn to to let her frustration and anger out. Morag had to be there for Ross, he had felt so guilty about everything that had happened to Charlie sixteen years ago, and he was at a loss on how to help Ruby. "I will listen if you want me to. Or, I could just pretend to listen. Either way, I can try to help" "You really care about Charlie and Ruby, don't you?" Morag said "Why do you ask?" Angelo asked, feeling his face turn slightly red "You haven't judged Charlie about anything she has told you, you've listened to her, help her, been there for her when Ross and I weren't able to be there. And Ruby, you listened to her. Anyone else would have ran" "I'm Charlie's colleague and friend. And Ruby is a friend too" Angelo replied "But you want more" Morag added "We were talking about you" Angelo said, trying to get back to the topic at hand "Angelo?" Morag said sternly "What? You haven't told me what's going on in your head, so why should I tell you?" Angelo said "Because, if I begin to say what's on my mind, you'll charge me every hour" Morag replied "Morag, you can't bottle it up any longer. It can't be good, and you can't talk to anyone else. I don't think Charlie, Ross or Ruby want this made public knowledge anytime soon" "I don't want to talk to anyone Angelo. I'm fine" "Morag, I've seen the look on your face every time you hug Ross. I saw the look on your face just now when we left Ross. That isn't the look of someone who is 'ok' with everything" Morag stopped in her tracks. She glanced up at the ceiling as she tried to keep her tears at bay. Morag remained silent as she tried to compose herself. "Morag?" Angelo said Morag turned to face Angelo, her eyes water-filled. Angelo took the step forward to Morag and placed his arms around her shoulders. Morag silently cried in his arms. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Roman kicked the dirt with his feet. The dust showered down to the ground and shimmered in the light from the sun. Stones hit the metal posts that stood outside the hospital. Roman looked into the hospital. He saw the hustle and bustle of busy doctors running around after patients and records. He turned his head to face the path he had just walked. Nicole was stood near one of the cars parked in the car park. She pointed to the hospital, to motivate ROman to step into the building he had avoided for nearly two weeks. come on Roman said to himself. Roman took a deep breath and walked through the sliding doors into the reception. He walked up the the desk and was greeted by a man. "Can I help you?" The man said as he looked up from the computer. "I'm looking for Charlie Buckton's room. Could you tell me which room she is in?" "You been before?" The man asked as he looked back to the computer "Yea" Roman replied "She's still in the same room" The man replied sarcastically "Thank you" Roman replied, ignore the man's rudeness. Roman headed back down the corridor with an uneasy smile on his face. The last time he walked down this corridor, he was angry, hurt, upset and just wanted a drink. Roman slowed his pace. He was nervous. He didn't want Charlie to reject him. He wanted Charlie to listen and -hopefully- forgive him. Ross sat alone outside Charlie's room. "Ros?" Roman said cautiously Ross looked over to where he heard his name. He saw Roman. "Hello" Ross replied coldly. "How's Charlie?" Roman asked "Don't know" Ross replied "Ok" Roman paused. "What about Ruby?" "Don't. Even. Ask. I know what you did. And what you said" Ross snapped as he rose to his feet. "That's why I'm here. To apologize" Roman said as he took a step backwards "Is that it? Last time I checked, Charlie was your girlfriend. You should be here all the time. Not out there" "We broke up. I thought Charlie would have told you" "She did. But that still doesn't mean you should just leave her like a box on the side of the road" "She didn't want me here. I was no use to her" Roman replied "Charlie was hurt. You say a lot of things when you're hurt. But you still could have stayed" Ross snapped "Look, I don't want to fight with you..." "Just Charlie" Ross finished "No. I have a lot to answer for. And Charlie deserves to hear what I have to say" "I don't think you should have the time" Ross added Morag and Angelo turned the corner to where Charlie's room was. Ross and Roman turned to face them. "Angelo" "Roman" Roman glared at Angelo. Angelo glared at Roman. "Angelo my boy" Ross said happily. Angelo my boy? Roman could stand it no longer. He bounded up to Angelo, clenched his fist and punched Angelo in the face. "Roman!" Morag shouted. Angelo fell to the ground, he didn't fight the urge to stay down, once his head made contact with the ground, he remained there until all around him went into darkness.....
callyha Posted August 6, 2010 Report Posted August 6, 2010 Thank you so much for the lovely comments!! This isn't like the other chapters, :/ but I hope you still like it! Chapter 40 "What the hell was that for?" Ross shouted to Roman as a nurse rushed over to Angelo, who was still on the ground. Roman didn't speak, his face showed his anger and frustration. "Well?" "What was that?" Charlie asked as she and Ruby looked to the door. "I'll go see" Ruby replied as she headed for the door. "Oh my god" Ruby gasped as she saw Angelo on the floor with a nurse leaning over him. "What happened?" "Roman" Ross snapped "Ruby?" Charlie called from the room. Ruby turned around to face Charlie. "Yea?" "What's going on?" Charlie asked as she pushed herself up the bed "Erm" Ruby bit her lip "Rubes" "Roman punched Angelo" "Roman. He's here?" Charlie asked Ruby was confused, "Yes" "And he punched Angelo?" "Yes" Ruby replied, still confused "Why?" "I have no idea" "Can you get him in here?" "Who? Angelo or Roman or dad?" Ruby asked "Roman" Charlie replied. Ruby looked to Charlie, unsure of why Charlie asked to see Roman. "Ok" "Roman?" Ruby said as she walked out of the room. Ross and Morag looked to Ruby. She'd been with Charlie for so long, and she was still smiling. They both wondered what had gone on in the room whilst they waited outside. "Yea?" Roman said from the wall. "Charlie wants to see you" Ruby replied "Why?" Roman asked, confused "I have no idea. But she does" "And if you upset her in anyway" Ross threatened. "I'm not going to do anything" "Like you weren't to Angelo?" Morag added Roman ignored Morag's last comment. He had a chance to speak with Charlie. Something he had wanted to do since Pamela. Charlie watched Roman as he walked up to her. Roman smiled as he looked to Charlie. "Hi Roman" Charlie spoke "Hi" Roman replied. "How are you?" "I've been better" Charlie replied. Roman nodded. "Look, Charlie. I owe you an apology. For everything" Roman said "Roman wait. I know you've been avoiding the hospital. And avoiding me. And I understand why. But nothing is or was going on between me and Angelo. He's a friend" "I know" "So, why did you have a go at me?" Charlie asked "I guess I was jealous. You were happier to see him in your room then seeing me after you woke up" "Angelo was under the boat with me, he could have died. And I'm sorry if that made you feel less of a boyfriend to me" "I know, I get that. I guess I was just trying to find someone else to blame for our relationship problems. And Angelo was the closest to you when we had the trouble" "Our problems were cause by you and me. Not anyone else and certainly not Angelo. I should have tried harder to get the time off to go to Lily's funeral" "Charlie, there was no way you could have done that. You were needed" "But I was needed more by you then the station" Charlie said "I should have taken the day off. I should have been there for you" Charlie finished "But the way I treated you afterward. I was horrible to you" Charlie looked down, almost in shame. "Charlie? You ok?" "That night, you and I had a huge fight. I went downstairs and I sat for ages just thinking. Angelo text me and invited me to a pub. at first I said no, but I went afterward" Roman looked to Charlie. His eyes glazed over with tears. "What happened?" "We talked. For ages, I can't remember what about, but when we had finished in the pub, neither of us could drive. So we slept in the car together" A tear fell down Charlie's face. Roman wiped his own tear away. "When I woke up, I was in the front, and Angelo was in the back. We drove home and I got ready for work and left straight away" "So, whilst I was beating myself up for our fight, you were out with him drowning your sorrows?" Roman asked, hurt. "I needed someone to talk to. I couldn't talk to you. I needed a friend" Charlie replied Roman took a deep breath. He didn't really have a leg to stand on, they were both guilty of sabotaging their relationship. Both had spoken to an outsider about their relationship problems. "I think we can agree on one thing" Roman said "What's that?" Charlie asked "We knew we were in trouble and we knew we needed someone to talk to" Roman smiled "I'm so sorry Roman" "Me too. For everything. And for what I did to Angelo" Roman replied Charlie nodded a tear fell down her cheek. "Look. I am here for you if you ever need to talk. I know Ruby, Ross and Morag wont be too keen on the idea, but, I'm here" "Thanks Roman. I'd like that" Charlie smiled. Roman walked next to Charlie. Charlie sat up and leaned into him for a hug. "Roman?" Charlie asked, still in a hug "Yea?" "Are you ok?" Charlie asked "Yea, why?" "I heard about your near-do" Charlie answered as she pulled away from Roman. "Oh. I'm fine. It was a real wake up call" "I can't really offer much, but I will offer a clean slate. Friends?" Charlie said "Friends" Roman smiled. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Ruby sat down on the seat where Ross had been for the last two hours. Morag took her place in the seat where she had been for the last two hours and Ross remained standing. "Ruby?" Ruby looked up. "Yea?" "You were in there for a while. You ok?" Ross asked "Fine" Ruby replied "Really?" Ross questioned. Ruby tried to hold her tears, but it didn't work for very long. "How can she still look at me? How can you still look at me?" "We don't see that. All we see is you" Ross said as he comforted Ruby, who was now in hysterics. "I don't know how you can't see it. She was fourteen. He was her boyfriend. How can you still love me?" Ruby cried "Because you're you" Ross cried.
callyha Posted August 7, 2010 Report Posted August 7, 2010 Thank you so much for the comments Chapter 41 [Time lapse of thirty minutes: Angelo is in a private room. Morag is in Charlie's room. Ross and Ruby are in the corridor. Roman is in the car park with Nicole] The nurse dabbed the dried blood away from the steri strips. "So, you have no idea what caused him to loose it?" Angelo flinched as the blood came away from his face "I have a hunch" "It wouldn't have anything to do with the woman in the room where you were would it?" The nurse asked "Got it in one" "Look, I have no idea what's going on, but this is a hospital, issues you have with anyone must stay outside. And I know you were the one who was punched, but the guy had a reason" "I know. And I have two reasons to punch him back" Angelo replied "Well, don't punch him at the hospital" The nurse finished wiping the wound. "You'll have to come back in about a week to have the stitches taken out" "How many have I got?" Angelo asked "Don't you like stitches?" The nurse asked "Not a huge fan" Angelo smiled "You have three" The nurse replied "Not as bad as I thought" Angelo smiled "No. Right. I just need you to sign these for me and then you can go" The nurse said as she removed her gloves and took the papers from her clipboard. "Oh, and you shouldn't need any painkillers, but if you do, paracetamol will do the job" "Thanks" Angelo replied as he signed his name on the forms. ~~~~~~~~~~~ Ross sat with Ruby next to him. They hadn't said a word since Ruby first materialized out of the room. "Ruby?" Ross said cautiously "Yea?" Ruby replied, staring at the wall "About what's happened.." "Dad, wait. I can't, not now" Ruby butted in "Ok, we can wait" Ross replied "Sorry" Ruby said after a few minutes of silence. "You have nothing to be sorry for" Ross said as he turned to face Ruby "Don't I? All I've done the last couple of weeks is run away every time I heard something I didn't like the sound of. I never once thought about how you or Charlie were feeling. All I thought of was myself. Charlie is still recovering from the accident, you and Morag have been pushed pillar to post with me and Charlie and I've just added to all of that" "Charlie is only thinking of you. She'd rather talk to you for the rest of her life then walk. And she's proved that twice already. I don't think she could prove it for a third time, but if she has to, she will" "Everything is just a mess" Ruy put her head in her hands "Tell me what you're thinking. Good or bad, just tell me" Ross said as he placed his arm over Ruby's shoulder. Ruby looked to Ross and smiled sheepishly. "Erm." Ruby paused. "Are you sure?" "Yes. I have to help you get passed this, and for me to do that, I need to know what's going on inside here" Ross said as he pointed to Ruby's head. "I hate what you, Charlie and Mum have done to me" Ruby stared to say. "I hate what he did to Charlie. I hate how Charlie felt then and feels now. I hate how we have got this problem staring us in the face and I don't know how to overcome it. I hate that I feel ashamed of myself. I hate that I'm the product of something so evil. I hate not been able to see a way of been there for Charlie when all I can think is what Charlie must be thinking when ever she looks at me" Ruby stopped to wipe the tears from her face. They had gushed from her face as she spoke what was going through her mind. Ruby never thought she would be able to say what she was thinking. Especially to one of the four people who knew about it. Ruby looked to Ross. His face was red from where he had begun to cry. "And I hate that its done this to you" Ruby added as she wiped the remaining tear from Ross' face. "Thank you Ruby. I know what we did was wrong. But its wrong now, when we first decided what to do, it seemed like the right thing to do" "That's what Charlie said" Ruby added "She's hurting, Ruby" "I know. But, I can't help thinking all these things" "Well, as for the decision Charlie, Elsie and I made back then, we can never change that, so all I can do is stress to you how we thought it was what was for the best" "I think, if Charlie didn't get sick, none of this would have happened. The lies, I mean" "I think that too" "What was it like? When Charlie came home, I mean" Ross looked to Ruby. He saw the shift in Ruby. "She was ready to be a mother to you. But you ran when you saw her, well you didn't run, you crawled away, rather quickly I may add. Charlie was so upset with that little action. For the rest of the day she tried to convince you to come away from behind the couch and in to the main part of the room" "But I'd bonded with you and Mum" Ruby added "Yes. We talked for weeks about what the best solution would be. All Charlie cared about was you. And when we suggested adopting you as our daughter and Charlie's sister, Charlie went mad. But, at the time, it seemed like the right decision. We now know it wasn't" Ross finished "This is such a mess" Ruby said as she rose to her feet. "What are you going to do?" Ross asked "I need time to myself. Can you tell Charlie I'll be back whenever I can?" "Yes of course" Ross replied "Thanks" ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Roman handed Nicole a hot chocolate. "So that's it. You've walked away with a friendship?" "Yea" Roman replied "Wow, Charlie must have really hit her head hard in the accident" "Nicole" Roman said "What? Well, if it was anyone else, you would have been thrown out with a black eye" "Well that's where Charlie is different" Roman replied "Just don't stuff this up" Nicole said to Roman "Believe me, I intend on keeping Charlie in my life for as long as possible" Nicole looked over to the entrance of the hospital. She saw Ruby walk out alone. "Dad? I'll meet you back home" "You sure? I was going to go see Leah" Roman said as he started the car "Yea, I'm sure. I'll see you later" Nicole said as she began to walk over to the hospital. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Morag sat next to Charlie. And watched her as she fell asleep. Morag never thought her and Charlie would be this close ever. Especially after the way they had met. But when Morag had found out that Ruby was Charlie's daughter, it struck a nerve with Morag. Morag could relate to Charlie more than she was letting on. She wasn't raped as a teenager and left pregnant, but she did find herself pregnant and alone. Morag always had kicked herself for not raising the baby as her own, and so she thought that this piece of her past would help Charlie heal her own past.
callyha Posted August 8, 2010 Report Posted August 8, 2010 Firstly: Thank you so much for the lovely comments. They keep me going Danni, Sarah, Carina, lino, mellbell86, Sam, charlie29, Scotcaz22 & Charis Secondly: I CAN'T BELIEVE ESTHER AND BRENDON have been ELIMINATED from DWTS. I'm really gutted for them. But like my signature says, She's still the winner in my eyes This is a short one to keep you going, I was hoping to have a long one done, but I was working today and then things happened at home (nothing bad lol) so, I PROMISE tomorrow: a long chapter and there will be some relationship IMPROVEMENTS!!! Chapter 42 Nicole quicken her pace as she headed towards Ruby. Ruby walked out of the hospital and leaned up against one of the walls. "Ruby?" Nicole asked as she approached Ruby Ruby wiped her the tears from her face. She didn't want Nicole to see her crying as she didn't want to be asked questions, because, she didn't know how to answer them. "Ruby?" Nicole said again as she bent down next to Ruby. "You ok?" Ruby nodded and wiped the last tear from her face. "No you're not. Are you worried about Charlie? Is she ok?" "She's fine" Ruby replied, glad it was a question she could answer "Are you sure?" "Yea. I'm just, not coping with everything as well as I though I would" Ruby replied telling half the truth "If I were you I would be like this too. Charlie is your sister and you're seeing her vulnerable and in a really bad way. Not to mention you saw the accident" Nicole said as she took Ruby's hand. "You can talk to me you know. I can't really relate to any of this, but I can try to help" "Thanks" Ruby said as she brought her free hand to her face "I know that, what Charlie is going through is hard to watch, but, imagine what she is going through. You need to be there for your sister" Ruby wanted to stop Nicole from saying sister over and over. Because Charlie isn't her sister. Not even close. Ruby wanted to blurt it out, tell everyone. But she had no idea how she would feel if everyone knew before she had chance to get her head around the whole situation. And she felt that she couldn't do that Charlie or Ross. "I know. But, I also need time to myself. Sorry, I've got to go" Ruby said, as it was the only way she could think of to stop her saying anything about the truth. Nicole raised to her feet and watched as Ruby ran away. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Morag walked out of Charlie's room. She was greeted by the exhausted Ross who was still sitting in the chair he was in when Ruby had left him. "Where's Ruby?" "She left. Needed some time to think" Ross replied. "How's Charlie?" "Asleep. We never really spoke, she cried herself to sleep" "She cried herself to sleep?" Ross repeated as he rose to his feet "Not upset tears, I think they were more of relief, happiness" "You sure?" Ross asked "Yes" Ross nodded. "What did you and Ruby talk about?" Morag asked "Ruby just told me what she was thinking." Ross looked down to his feet, shame filled his body "The way she was talking, she seemed ok with everything. But I know Ruby, she wont be ok" Ross added "How do you mean" Morag asked "Just Ruby in general. Last time she said she was ok with something, she ended up been in trouble with the neighbors and the police" "Oh my god" Morag siad, shocked "What happened?" Ross looked to Morag. "Morag, I really don't feel up to talking. I just want to be here for my daughter. The one I should have been here for before" "Ross, you can't be in two places at once. Charlie and Ruby both need you" "But.." "But nothing. I'm sorry to say this, but Charlie needed you first. She's your priority. I'll go after Ruby" Morag said as she rose to her feet "But she said she wanted time to herself" "And if I know how a young girls mind works, she will need someone there for her" Morag said "Then it should be me" "But what if Charlie needs you? Look, I'll go, you stay here" Ross remained seated. Not only because he thought Morag was right, but because he was too exhausted to do anything else. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Roman walked into the diner. He looked at all the waitress and into the kitchen to see if he could spot Leah. "Hey, VJ" Roman said as he spotted VJ playing on his Nintendo "What?" VJ asked, not looking away from the screen "Is your mum here?" "She's in the kitchen getting her stuff. We're going to get something for the car and then go home" VJ said "Ok, cheers mate" Roman said as he ruffled VJ's hair. "You'd better not be here to cause more trouble" Irene said as she spotted Roman "No. Look. I came to apologize for my behavior. I never should have brought that into work with me" "No, you shouldn't have. And I accept your apology" Irene replied Irene and Roman looked at each other in an uneasy silence. "Erm, about my job.." Roman began to say "I won't lie to you Roman. We could do with you back. But, I don't want a repeat of that ever again in my kitchen" "It wont" Roman replied "Friday. You start again" "The day after tomorrow?" Roman asked "Yes. You still have Leah to speak to, and I don't want you two in here tomorrow after talking" Irene replied "Leah? Can we talk?" Roman asked as he walked up to Leah "We can talk. But whether I'll listen is another matter" Leah replied "Look. I was a jerk. I never should have treated you like that or spoke to you the way I did" "No, you shouldn't have" "I know. And I'm sorry" Leah looked at Roman. She could see in his eyes that he meant what he was saying. And Leah knew that it must have been hard for Roman to come to her and apologize for what he did. Especially since his hospitalization after the heavy drinking. "Listen. VJ and I have to get something for my car. If you like, you can come to the house afterward and we can sit and talk properly" "Yea, I'd like that" Roman smiled "Ok, good. See you then, then" Leah replied with a smile.
callyha Posted August 9, 2010 Report Posted August 9, 2010 Thank you so much for taking the time to read and comment. I really love reading your comments. They make me smile Chapter 43 "Ruby is my daughter..." "I was raped......" "I am the product of rape? Are you serious?" Earlier conversations ran through Ruby's mind. The fact that she was the product of something so horrible weighed heavily on her mind. The fact that her mother is only fourteen years older than herself. The fact that it wasn't only Charlie's innocence that was taken away that night, but her last few chances of been a child and her trust in men. As she made her way back to her house, Ruby kicked the sand away from the beach, and wiped the tears away from her face. The calming sound of the waves washing up on the beach soothed Ruby in the way a gentle rock soothes a baby when they cry. Ruby's fifth Birthday.. "Mummy, Mummy!" Ruby called as she ran out of her room and down the corridor for Elsie and Ross' room "What's the matter Ruby?" Elsie asked as she materialized out of the bathroom "Charlie! She's home!" Ruby squealed "She is? Why don't you run down an open the door for her, dad and I will be down in a sec" Elsie told the young girl "Okay" Ruby smiled. Ruby ran along the corridor towards the stairs. She jumped down the last three steps, so happy to see her big sister for the first time in one week. Charlie rummaged around in her bag for the keys to the front door. Chuntering to herself as she couldn't find them "Charlie Charlie!" Ruby shouted as she saw Charlie image through the glass "Hi Ruby" Charlie laughed as she still searched for her keys. "It my birthday today!" Ruby said as Charlie finally opened the door "It my birthday" Ruby repeated as she jumped into Charlie's arms "Is it?" Charlie teased "Don't tease. I'm this many now" Ruby siad as she held her hand up, displaying all five fingers. "You are? I should have brought you a present. Sorry, Ruby. I forgot" Charlie replied Ruby looked at Charlie, her eyes showing her sadness. Charlie smiled just before Ruby began to cry. "Do you really think I could forget when you were born?" Charlie laughed. "Your meanie" Ruby said as she stuck her tongue out. "Here" Charlie said as she handed Ruby her present. Ruby's eyes light up. The sparkling pink paper showed Ruby's huge smile. "What is it?" "Why don't you open it and find out" Charlie laughed "But, I don't want to rip the paper. Its pretty" Ruby said as she handed the present back to Charlie "Rubes, I promise, it wont rip" Charlie laughed as she handed the present back "Promise?" Ruby asked. Charlie nodded and Ruby began to open her gift. "Wow!" Ruby beamed as she lifted the doll from the box. "Is it mine?" Ruby asked as she held the doll close to her body Charlie laughed. "Yes, its yours. And if you're a good girl, I may take you out and let you buy some clothes for it" "Not an it. Its a her and she's called Charlie love" Charlie's heart skipped. "Why that Rubes?" "Because I love you and I love her." Ruby replied as she smiled at Charlie. Elsie and Ross joined Ruby and Charlie in the room. "Mummy daddy look what Charlie got me. My very own doll. She's called Charlie love and I will always love her, she is my doll I will take good care of her. Charlie got her for me for my this many birthday. Charlie said If I was a good girl she would take me out to get some clothes for Charlie love. Can I take her to school on Monday for show and tell? I bet none of the other girls have a doll like mine. Mine is special I love her and she loves me. Can I get an ice cream? Can we got to the park today?" "Doesn't ask for much, does she?" Charlie laughed "Ruby?" Ross said as he bobbed down to Ruby's level "Daddy" Ruby copied in the same manner "We can go get some ice cream." Ruby jumped up and down "But, you need to open all your other presents first" Ross said with wide eyes. Ruby cheered and jumped up and down again. Charlie love was still held tightly in her hand. Ruby reached for the door handle and opened the door to her house. She hadn't been there for so long. She was either at the hospital with Charlie or outside getting some air. Home was one place she been to. Leah and VJ were sat watching TV, but Leah kept glancing at her mobile on the arm of the chair. Ruby quietly headed for the stairs, she didn't want to go in to a full conversation, all she wanted to do was be alone. Walking up the stairs, Ruby couldn't help thinking about her fifth birthday. For some reason, it stuck out in her mind. But Ruby was unsure of what that reason was..... Until she walked into her room and looked at the bottom of her bed. Ruby ran up to her bed and saw her. Charlie love. Sitting in the middle of all her other teddies and soft dolls. A tear trickled down her face as she held on to the memory of when Charlie gave it to her. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Leah smiled. Roman looked into Leah's eyes. His eyes flickered back and forth as he stared into her brown eyes. Roman leaned forward. Placing his lips on Leah's. Leah pulled away "Roman!" She said. "Sorry" Roman said as he moved back slightly. Leah shook her head. Roman looked confused. Leah leaned into Roman. And their lips joined once again. Leah stared at the TV screen. She smiled as she thought of her kiss with Roman. But she soon realized, what happened afterward. The cold front Roman gave her, the uneasy work place they had created. But then Leah remembered, that, Roman had apologized for what he did and how he acted. Maybe this was another chance to say something about the kiss. Leah's phone light up with Roman's name flashing on the screen. "Hello.....Yea?.....Ok....See you later..." Leah hung up. "Who was that mum?" VJ sleepily asked Leah looked at her shattered son "The sleep fairy. She told me to tell you that its passed your bedtime and that you'd better get to bed" Leah told VJ "Really? How did she get your number?" VJ asked, "It doesn't matter how I got it, just listen to what she said and go to bed" Leah said as she followed her son to his room. VJ smiled as he entered his room. He knew exactly who called, and he knew that his mum liked the man that called. Five minutes later Leah answered the door when it was knocked. Roman stepped into the kitchen when Leah invited him in. "Hi" Leah said as she walked into the kitchen. Roman followed behind her ans closed the door "Hi". Roman replied before a brief silent moment. "Look, Leah. I really am sorry for the way I treated you I was a total jerk and you didn't deserve to be spoken to like that. All you were doing was helping me cope, you were there for me when I needed you. And I never said thank you" Roman continued "I was been a friend Roman" "I know. But I had to ruin that by kissing you. I shouldn't have kissed you.." "Stop there" Leah said as she placed her finger on his lips "If I remember, I instigated the second kiss" Roman looked to Leah. "Leah, I can't. I have to sort things out" "I know. I don't want you blaming yourself for what happened because you thought it was you. I was apart of it too Roman, and that's why I want to help you and Nicole through all this." "You still want to help?" Roman asked "Yes. I saw how Nicole was after you ended up in the hospital. She was devastated Roman, and I had a part to play in that. I can't live with myself knowing that there was a piece of what I did in what happened". "You really mean that?" Roman asked, tears had started to form in his eyes "Yes. Why?" Leah asked "I punched Angelo" Roman said as he put his head in his hands. "What? I thought you didn't care about him anymore? You promised me!" "I know. But when I went to the hospital and saw him there outside Charlie's room, I lost it. He was been praised by Ross. Ross doesn't even know the guy and I had been with Charlie for three years and he never treated me like that" "That doesn't mean you can go up to people and punch them. How are you ever going to recover from this if you let your anger get the better of you? Do you really think Charlie will want to speak to you after finding out about what you did to Angelo?" "She knows" Roman replied "What? How?" Leah asked "Ruby and her heard the commotion I guess" "What happened?" "Charlie wanted to talk to me. So I went in" "And?" Leah asked "Charlie told me something that happened between her and Angelo. It was near enough, the same that happened between me and Pamela" Roman told "Charlie slept with Angelo?" Leah asked "No. She just stayed out with him, they ended up sleeping in the car" "Well, that's not exactly the same as you" "I didn't sleep with Pamela" "But you were closer to sleeping with her than what Charlie was with Angelo" "I guess" Roman replied "Look. From where I'm sitting, I can tell you are trying to sort things out. And that's good. And I'll be here with you, every step of the way" Leah siad as she took Roman's hand in her own. "Thanks" Roman replied as he gently squeezed Leah's hand ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Morag didn't make it far out of the hospital. Only to the entrance. She couldn't bring herself to go any further forward or back. Behind her was the upset of years worth of lies, injuries that were still healing, a heart that was breaking for his daughter and granddaughter. A heart that was crying out to be healed, not only by Ruby, but by the love she needed to help her get through everything. In front of her was the angry sixteen year old who learned that her whole life has had one little difference. Morag had no idea where to look for for help. She couldn't speak to Alf about anything, as Charlie and Ross and Ruby hadn't got their own heads around things and they didn't want people knowing about this until they were ready. Morag looked to the sky. She sighed heavily as she tried to stop her tears from breaking out of her eyes. "Morag?" A voice spoke from behind Morag wiped her face and turned around. "Angelo" "You ok?" Angelo asked, noticing that Morag had been crying or was about to cry. "No. Not really Angelo" Morag replied, shocked by her own truthfulness "Ross?" Angelo asked, taking a stab at the reason Morag was the was she was. Morag nodded. "That amongst other things" Angelo looked to Morag. She had always been so strong. Judge Morag Bellingham. A force to be reckoned with. She was known for her hard exterior, but no one knew about underneath that. In the last couple of week, Morag had shown a caring side, especially towards Charlie. And her and Charlie didn't exactly hit it off in the beginning. Angelo thought something had to be very wrong for Morag to be fighting tears. "Morag? I know I'm not in your good books, but, I can see what this is doing to you. To Ross and Charlie and Ruby. I want to be there for all of you, I want to help, I know I can. But you have to trust me and talk to me." "You really love her, don't you?" Morag asked "Love who?" Angelo asked Morag raised an eyebrow at Angelo "I'm not stupid Angelo. Other men would have run a mile" "I'm not doing this because I love CHarlie. I hate seeing what this is doing to all of you, I want to help. And If that means it takes me ages then, so be it" Angelo looked to Morag, completely oblivious to the fact that he had just confessed to been in love with Charlie. "Please, let me help" "Thank you Angelo, but I'm ok. I just come out here to clear my head sometimes" "Really?" Angelo asked "Really" Morag replied. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Ruby rushed into the hospital, completely ignoring Morag and Angelo who stood right next to her. Ruby continued running along the corridors until she reached Charlie's room. Ross had fallen asleep in the chair. His head was resting in his hand and his other arm was resting across his stomach. Ruby smiled slightly when she saw that things will never change in her family. Ruby turned to face the door. She carefully opened it and entered the room. "Charlie?" Ruby called beep.....beep...beep... The machine beside Charlie made the only noise "Charlie" Ruby called a little louder. Charlie groaned as she woke up. "Rubes?" Charlie said, her voice groggy. "What's the matter?" Ruby didn't speak. She waited until Charlie had pulled herself up the bed. "This" Ruby said as she placed Charlie love on the bed. "Charlie love" Charlie smiled "My doll. The one I love because I love you"
callyha Posted August 10, 2010 Report Posted August 10, 2010 freckleface, Danni, Scotcaz22, Carina, Sam, Sarah & Charis thank you for the comments! Chapter 44 The same night Roman walked away from Leah's house and headed back to his own. Happy in knowing that he was working thorough the problems he was having with his anger and his alcohol. He was grateful to both Leah and Charlie for been so forgiving. He never thought they would forgive him as easily as they did, but after he spoke to Charlie, he realized that, yea, what he did with Pamela was the same as what Charlie did with Angelo, but with one difference: the way their mind was. Charlie was speaking to a friend for guidance and support, Roman spoke to Pamela because she showed him some attention, attention that he thought he wasn't getting from Charlie. Roman then thought about Nicole and how she was been so mature thorough out all of this. How she still wanted to help, even after the way he spoke to her. No seventeen year old should hear that coming from the parent. Even if they are going through a breakup. Roman reached the door of his house. None of the lights were on. Roman opened the door to darkness, something Nicole never was in if she was home. Roman took his mobile from his pocket and looked through the phone book until it highlighted Nicole's name and number. "Hello?" "Nic, where are you?" "I'm on my way home. I just needed time to think" "Ok. Well, I'm at home. Do you want me to make some food or something?" "No, its ok. I'll talk when I get home ok?" "Ok, see you soon" Roman put his phone on the table. He lowered himself into the seat, thinking it was about him why Nicole was only just making her way back home. Maybe she isn't coping with this as well as I thought Roman said to himself as he stared forward. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Leah switched the TV off, put the last few pots into the kitchen and made sure the door was locked before she headed to her room to get ready for bed. Her chat with Roman helped her heal the wounds that had been caused by the initial cold front Roman gave to her. And reignited her growing feelings for him. Leah's smile got bigger and bigger on her face as she thought more about what could be. Leah knew that Roman's recovery came first, and that she had promised to be there for him as he continued to get himself better, but she couldn't help the way she felt. She knew VJ would approve of Roman, not only because of the way he was when Roman was around, but because VJ had told Leah after his and Roman's first football match. Leah opened VJ's door to check on him. He hadn't moved much from when he first went to bed, his pillow was half on the floor half on the bed and his head was covered by his Power Ranger cover. Leah smiled as she shut the door. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Angelo and Morag were intrigued. Ruby had rushed passed them carrying a doll that looked to be quite old. "She ok?" Angelo asked as he continued to look down the corridor "I think so. She did say she needed time alone to think" Morag replied as she began to walk towards the doors. "And she needed a doll for that?" Angelo asked confused. Morag stopped. Angelo had to arch over Morag to stop himself from bumping into her "Angelo? You know you said you would be here and listen?" "Yea" Angelo replied as he took a step backward "You meant it, right?" Morag asked "Yes" "Ruby read Charlie's journals. They were in Charlie's room for a long time before either of them came out. We only say Ruby when you were punched. Ruby spoke to Ross about things she and Charlie had said and what was going through her mind" Angelo looked to Morag, although her face wasn't showing it, she was letting out her upset, her pain from the last couple of weeks. The things she had been building up inside, never wanting to tell anyone because she believed herself to not have the right to be upset about the situation. "What did Ruby say?" Angelo asked, unsure on how he could comfort Morag "She said to Ross, that she needed time to think." Morag wiped her face. "Maybe this is her decision. What she had decided to do about everything" "And the doll helps how exactly?" "I don't know" Morag replied. She turned to face Angelo with a forced smile on her face. "I may not have liked you in the past Angelo, but you have grown on me over these last few days" Morag took Angelo's hand. "Thank you" Morag smiled. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Ross remained in his seat. His position hadn't changed and he was oblivious to the fact that Ruby had returned. He began to move when he heard distant voices. "Ross?" Morag said as she looked to Ross, who had a hand print on his cheek "Morag?" Ross looked to Morag. "Where have you been? I thought you went looking for Ruby" "I never went to look for her. She wanted space, and I knew you were stressing about who to be there for" "So, where have you been? And where is Ruby?" Ross asked in a panic "I've had a talk with Angelo. It helped me a lot, it was exactly what I needed" Morag smiled as she looked to Angelo. "And Ruby, I believe she is in there" Morag continued as she pointed to Charlie's room. "I never saw her" Ross said as he rose to his feet. "I believe you were inspecting your eyelids from the inside" Angelo smiled Ross smiled. "Yes, I believe I was" "Erm, Ross?" Morag asked "Yes?" "Do you know anything about a doll?" Ross smiled. He knew what doll and what significance it had. "When Charlie was nineteen, she left home to take a place in the police department....." Ross began to tell the story of how Charlie love was introduced to Ruby, and why Charlie love brought a smile to Charlie's face every time she saw it. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "This" Ruby said as she placed Charlie love on the bed. "Charlie love" Charlie smiled "My doll. The one I love because I love you" Ruby looked to Charlie. Charlie looked to Ruby. "Rubes" Charlie said with a tear rolling down her face "I love you Charlie and I'm so sorry" Ruby cried "I love you too Rubes" Charlie said as she pulled herself up to bring herself closer to Ruby. "I'm so sorry Charlie. I'm so sorry" Ruby cried "You have nothing to be sorry for" Charlie replied as she embraced Ruby properly for the first time in so long. "I'm sorry for the way I acted. I didn't want to believe what I heard. And when I read it, it made it too real. I couldn't imagine going through something like that. But you did. And I haven't helped. I want everything to go back to the way it was Charlie, I miss you" Ruby sobbed "I miss you too Rubes"
callyha Posted August 11, 2010 Report Posted August 11, 2010 Danni, Sam, Sarah, Scotcaz22, Charis, Carina, charlie29 & mellbell86 Thank you for the comments Chapter 45 **Chapter note** This chapter focuses on the teens who saw the accident. So: Nicole, Romeo and Xavier. And the adults who also saw the accident, so: Irene, Colleen, Leah and Roman.(The ending will tie into the start of the next chapter) PS, I haven't put Ruby in this chapter to cope with the accident, as I've used that to help her make a decision on the Charlie situation The following day 7:59am Nicole walked down the stairs. Her hair was a mess and her uniform wasn't on properly. Her make up was from the night before, even the shower she just had didn't really wake her up. "Hey Nic, you ok?" Roman asked as he watched his daughter walk towards the kitchen "I couldn't sleep properly" Nicole sadly replied Roman, worried about Nicole, followed her into the kitchen. "Wait Nicole, has this anything to do with me and what's been going on?" Roman asked, ashamed of himself already without knowing the truth "No, dad, its not you" Nicole replied, she saw the panic in his eyes "Well, what is it then?" Roman asked. Nicole sighed. She put her bag down on the floor and slumped into a chair. "I saw Ruby at the hospital yesterday. She was so upset over Charlie. I don't know how she can see her sister laying there in the hospital day after day after watching the accident happen. I never thought about the accident, until I spoke to Ruby" Nicole wiped the lone tear that trickled down her face "Every time I closed my eyes, all I saw was Charlie and Angelo been crushed by the boat. I could hear the cries coming from Ruby" Nicole couldn't speak anymore. She choked up. Roman rushed to her side, he was so wrapped up in his own problems that day, he never once thought about how Nicole was coping with what she had witnessed. "I'll call the school, let them know you wont be in" Roman said as he let Nicole cry into his chest. Roman stared at the wall, in horror with himself for been able to cope better with the effects of the accident and not helping Nicole through it as well. In fact, he felt sick. He realized in that split second that Nicole was suffering emotional distress from witnessing the accident and emotional distress from watching Roman self-destruct. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 8:02am Miles rushed down the stairs. He slept through his three alarms and now was running a little late. "In a hurry Miles?" Marilyn cheerfully asked "Ok, you are way to chirpy for 8 in the morning. What's your secret?" Miles asked as he poured a coffee for himself "Well, when my alarm goes off, I get out of bed, that way I don't fall back to sleep again. Then, I put on some coffee and help myself. The aromas help to awake your senses you know, and did I tell you, at night if you...." "Look up to the sky it gives you calming whatever" Miles added, trying to shut Marylin up "Well I am sorry Miles, but you did ask" "Ok, where's Romeo? I'm supposed to give him a lift to school today" "Mr. Stewart took him about ten minutes ago" Marylin told Miles "What? He was supposed to go with me" Miles said as he jammed his toast "I really don't get what's going through that boys mind sometimes. He hasn't told you about any girls has he?" Miles asked as he bit into his toast "Nothing to me. Although, I have noticed the strange behavior he has had recently" Marylin observed "What have you noticed?" Miles asked as he grabbed some books with his free hand "Just, how quiet he's been. Its really not like him" "I know, there's no noise in the house. Its great!" Miles smiled "Miles!, Romeo could be having trouble with something" "I know. But he knows where I am if he needs to talk" Miles said as he grabbed his bag. "Yea, but don't you want to ask him, confront him?" "I'm not ambushing him Marylin" Miles said as he headed for the door. Marylin jumped down from her seat and followed Miles to his car. "Do you think I should talk to him?" "I think you might want to loose the leopard slippers" Miles answered, hoping Marylin would drop the conversation "I will. But what about Romeo?" "Leave him. He'll talk when he's ready to talk" ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 8:13am Gina grabbed her coffee pot and placed her bag over her shoulder. The last thing she was waiting for was Xavier. "Xavier" Come on!" Gina shouted as she glanced down at her watch Xavier slowly walked out of the back rooms. He didn't look to well. "Xave? You ok?" Gina asked, noticing the color had gone from his face. "You looked like you haven't slept" "That's because I haven't" Xavier replied "What? Why?" Gina asked as she put her things down on the couch. Xavier looked to Gina. He didn't want to tell her what was going through his mind. But he also knew Gina would give up asking until he told her. "For a couple of weeks I've been seeing the accident over and over again in my head. I can't get it out my head. I'm sick of it. Every time I try to sleep, all I see is how Ruby was, how I felt, and how I couldn't do anything to help" "Oh, Xave. Why keep something like this to yourself?" Gina asked as she embraced her son "You were sorting your life out. I didn't want to stop that" "Xave, you and your brothers are my life. Don't ever think you can't come to me with anything" Gina said as she held Xavier's head forward to maintain eye contact with him. "Sorry mum" Gina took her hands away from Xavier's head and brought him close for a hug. Xavier embraced the hug, but never let any tears fall. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Rachel walked into the diner. Tony had Harry for the day and Rachel wasn't needed at work, so she thought she'd spend a day doing nothing, just enjoying been on her own. Leah walked out of the kitchen. "Hey, Rach. I'll be with you in one sec" Rachel nodded and smiled as she watched Leah rush round the diner. "Ah, Dr. Armstrong" Colleen said as she walked over to Rachel "Colleen. What can I do for you?" Rachel asked, knowing that if ever Colleen called her 'Dr.' it was for a medical thing "I was wondering if you could tell us about young Charlie. How's she doing?" "I really can't discuss it with you Colleen. It's not my place to say" "Oh, I know, but is she ok?" Colleen asked "Yea, she's fine" Rachel said, half correctly. "Why? Is there something wrong?" Colleen looked down to her pad of paper. "Colleen?" Rachel said again. "Yes?" "Was there anything else?" "No" Colleen quickly answered before rushing off. "Sorry Rach. What can I get you?" Leah asked as she stood at Rachel's side "Has Colleen been acting strange lately?" Rachel asked "No more than usual. Why?" Leah replied "She seems different." "Different how?" "She just asked me how Charlie is doing. When I told her I couldn't really disclose too much, she couldn't get away quick enough" Rachel told Leah her observations. "How is Charlie doing? I went to see her a few days ago" Leah asked "She seems to be doing ok" Rachel replied. She looked to Leah. She had the same expression on her face that Colleen had on hers moments earlier. "Leah? Is something going on?" "Like what?" "Like, anything. You and Colleen have the same expression on your face" Rachel said "What expression?" Leah asked, trying to change hers "You're hiding something, and you want to tel, but you don't know how" Leah was rumbled. Defeated, she pulled the chair away from the table and joined Rachel. "I avoided the hospital for ages. I couldn't bare to see Charlie laying there. She looked like she was in constant pain, I hated seeing her like that. And then I saw the news footage of the accident, and that brought it all back. The accident, watching the emergency services trying to move the boat from Charlie and Angelo it just came back" "Leah, you're in shock. You've seen a horrific accident which involved one of your best friends, this is understandable" Rachel said as she took Leah's hand. "But what about the others? Romeo, Nicole, Xavier. They were there too. And Ruby, but this is her sister. How can she be coping?" Leah questioned. "Ruby had Morag and Ross beside her. And I'm sure all Ruby is thinking about is making sure Charlie gets better and back on her feet again" ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Midday Nicole, Xavier and Romeo hadn't turned up to school. Roman had rung the school to say Nicole wouldn't be in, Gina told the teachers Xavier wouldn't be in, and Miles, had no idea where Romeo was. Instead, they had met up on the beach. "But how can it still be affecting us?" Xavier asked "That's what shock does. Gets you when you least expect it" Romeo replied "But why now? The accident happened ages ago" Xavier said as he hit the sand with his hand "It was three weeks ago today. We were here, watching it all happen" Nicole said as she stared at the wharf. "But, I haven't slept for the last few nights" Xavier said "Have your heard from Ruby?" Nicole asked "No. But I did look at the picture of her and me on my table" "Maybe that's it" Nicole said "What's it?" Romeo asked "Seeing a picture of Ruby got you thinking about her, which would get you thinking about Charlie, which would remind you that you saw what happened. When Dad and I were at the hospital the other night, I saw Ruby crying outside the hospital. That night, I saw the accident again" Nicole answered "But, I haven't seen Ruby. Or Charlie for that matter" Romeo said, unsure of what brought his shock on "You surf" Xavier said, realizing that their shock reflexes were spurred on by the connections between what happened. "And I would have seen the wharf" Romeo added as he figured out where Nicole was coming from. "Ok, so how do we sleep again?" Xavier asked "I don't know" Nicole replied. Still looking at the wharf. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ That evening.... "Dad, I'm ok. you can stop worrying" Charlie said as the doctor moved away Charlie "Charlie, you went blue. You're not ok" Ross said as he moved closer to Charlie. Ruby sat on the seat, upset over watching Charlie have another breathing fit. Morag stood with Ruby, comforting her as she brought herself back down from her panic. "What's wrong?" Ross turned to ask the doctor "I'm sorry, but, is it ok if I speak with Charlie alone" The doctor said as she looked to Ross, Morag and Ruby "Can't we be here?" Ruby asked as she looked to Charlie "No. I'm sorry" The nurse replied. Ross, Ruby and Morag reluctantly left the room. "Something's wrong. I know it is" Ruby cried "Ruby, Charlie is going to be fine. She's a fighter" Morag said as she placed her arm around Ruby "You really really think so?" Ruby cried "Yes" Morag replied. Ruby turned to Morag and nestled into her. Morag wrapped both arms around her and glanced to Ross. He had sat down in the seat which was more familiar to him then his own home. **** "What's wrong?" Charlie asked as she sat herself up in bed. "This is the second time you have stopped breathing" "Yes" Charlie replied, hated been reminded of that small detail "Although you came around a lot quicker than the last time, this was more intense" The doctor told Charlie "What does that mean?" Charlie asked "When you were first brought in, we had to re-inflate your lung. It appeared to have not been damaged, but further tests have shown a slight tare to the muscle itself" "Is that bad?" Charlie asked "Its not good. We are able to repair the damage, but you will have to go to theater straight away" "Is that why I've been not breathing?" Charlie asked, trying to make sense of everything "Yes. But, because the tare is so small, the operation won't take long" The doctor reassured Charlie "What will be done?" Charlie asked, trying to stall any more operations. "The tare will be stitched and that should act like the original lining" The doctor explained. Charlie sat motionless. She couldn't cope with anymore operations or drowsiness. But if it would stop her having these little moments, then it would be worth it. "I'll give you some time" The doctor said. "Do it" Charlie quickly said. "Tomorrow if you can" "Are you sure? Because this will mean that your rehabilitation sessions will be held back a while" "I'm sure. I don't care if I walk again. But I need to breath to be with Ruby"
callyha Posted August 12, 2010 Report Posted August 12, 2010 Scotcaz22, Sam, Danni, Sarah, charmed60, freckleface, Charis and charlie29 I hope you can follow this chapter & I hope it works! PS, the ending isn't too good , (Sorry) Chapter 46 Ruby paced the same line outside of Charlie's room. Biting her thumb -a habit she had gotten into whenever she was nervous- as she kept glancing at the door every time she was level. "What's taking so long?" Ruby asked for the eighth time "The doctor is just doing his job, Ruby" Morag replied "But it shouldn't take this long to do that" Ruby added "She stopped breathing Ruby. The second time in a short time. The doctor will be making sure there is nothing seriously wrong with Charlie" "There is" Ruby replied "What?" Ross asked "Her family are out here when we should be in there" Ruby replied as she kicked the door with her foot. "You're frustrated, I get it. But kicking the door down isn't going to help" Ross said as he rose to his feet. "Its helping me" Ruby replied through her tear filled eyes and her croaky voice. "I just want all this to stop" Ruby said, defeated from her anger. "Charlie has been through enough. I just want to tell her everything will be ok and I'll be with her until the end of all this" "I know sweetheart. We all do" Ross said as he took Ruby in his arms and allowed her to cry into his shoulder The door opened. Dr. Powell stepped out. "Can I see her?" Ruby asked with a smile on her face. The doctor shut the door before Ruby had broken away from Ross. His face didn't show any sign of a smile or a glimpse of happy. "What's wrong? What's happened?" Ruby asked, her eyes glaring into Dr. Powell's eyes, looking for an answer. "Charlie's damaged lung is more serious than we first thought. She has a near to the muscle, and this is causing it to collapse" "So what can you do?" Ross asked "Charlie has decided to go through with the operation to repair the tare tomorrow morning" Dr. Powell replied "Tomorrow?" Ruby asked "Yes, the sooner we operate the better it will be for Charlie" "Can we see her?" Ross asked "Yes, but, at the moment she is nil by mouth, so I would recommend any drinks to be consumed out here" Dr. Powell replied. "Thank you" Ross replied. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 9:06pm "Did you talk to someone then?" Gina asked as she began to wash the pots Xavier took the towel from the side and began to dry the pots Gina had washed. "Yea, I talked to Romeo and Nicole. They haven't been sleeping so well either. In a way, I'm glad they saw it happen too. They understand what I'm going through" "I can't imagine what any of you are going through, but I can try to help Xave" Gina replied as she placed her hand on top of Xavier's. "Thanks mum. But, I think most of it is that we haven't seen Charlie since it happened. All we know is what we hear from Angelo. And he's barely around" "I think he'll be coming to terms with what's happened. It can't be easy for him. He was under there too" Gina replied "I can't begin to think what's going through his mind. He would have seen everything. Heard everything" "Ok Xavier, that's enough" "But they haven't even caught the guys who did this. Ruby is out of her mind with worry and they're still out there." Xavier replied "I'm sure the police are doing everything they can" Gina replied 9:16pm "Thanks for letting me have the day off school" Nicole said as she hugged Roman "Its ok. Just as long as you're ok" Roman replied "I'm fine. Talking to Romeo and Xavier helped" "How are those two?" Roman asked as they pulled apart "Same as me. Haven't slept much, keep seeing the accident when they close their eyes" "How long did you say this has been going on for?" Roman asked "Not long, we put the dreams down to a jog in our memories" "A jog?" Roman asked "Something which reminded us that we saw what happened. I saw Ruby when we were at the hospital and that night I had a dream about the accident. Xavier looked at the picture of him and Ruby and Romeo surfs, he sees the wharf every time he looks to his right" Nicole explained "A connection" Roman said "Yea." Nicole replied "How do you feel now?" Roman asked "Like I could sleep for a week. But how is Ruby handling this? None of us have seen or heard from her since it happened" "Charlie needs all the support she can get" "Oh my god, you've been to see her. I'm so horrible. How is Charlie?" Nicole asked when she realized that she hadn't asked how Charlie was doing "She seems to be doing alright. Both times I've seen her she's been in bed though" Roman replied "Three weeks and she's still not mobile? I can't imagine that" "Neither can I" Roman replied "I'm going to bed. See if I can sleep. I'll see you in the morning" 9:29pm "Where have you been?" Marylin asked as Romeo walked through the door. "Out" Romeo replied "Don't 'out' me, Miles and I have been worried sick" Marylin replied "I'm sorry. I had some thinking to do" "About what? Has this got something to do with the strange mood you've been in the last couple of days?" Marylin asked as she placed her hands on her hips "You noticed?" Romeo asked "Of course I did. Miles' cake looked happier than you did this morning" Marylin replied "Is this about that accident?" Romeo looked to Marylin. "Sorry. But I took a guess" "It was three weeks ago. I don't get why I'm not ok with it. Its not like I was injured" "But the sister of your friend was and you saw it happen" "But I was fine afterward" "Shock strikes at anytime" Marylin replied "Is this why you didn't show up at school? Because you were stressing about this?" "I get why I'm seeing the accident over and over. I just do get why its getting to me this bad" "Maybe because the person who was injured the most is still in the hospital. Remember the day after the accident? You heard about Angelo been ok and that he was getting discharged from the hospital" "Yea" Romeo replied "All you talked about on the way back here was Angelo. You were in shock about seeing him been injured and as soon as you knew he was alright, you were alright" "So you're saying, that for Nicole, Xavier and I to have a decent sleep again, we have to find out how Charlie is doing?" "It could help. I'm just saying" Marylin smiled. Romeo smiled as Marylin headed for the stairs. Everything Marylin had said made sense. The only problem, with everything that was going on, how could he ask to find out how Charlie was doing? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The following morning Ross, Ruby, Morag and Angelo were all in the room with Charlie. No one said a word as they didn't know what to say. "I'll be fine" Charlie spoke. Her throat killing as she spoke "We know. Its just.." Ross said "Another thing" Charlie replied "Yea" Ross smiled "Erm, did they say how long the operation would be?" Morag asked "About an hour. Maybe two" Ross replied "Why?" "Go home. Have a rest. You all look like you could do with one" Charlie replied, each word she spoke felt like a knife was scratching her throat "We're not leaving you" Ruby replied "No, we're not. We are staying" Angelo added Charlie smiled. She couldn't talk anymore. Dr. Powell walked into the room. "We're all ready in theater. Are you ready?" Charlie nodded. "We'll be here sweetheart" Ross said to Charlie as the nurse began to wheel Charlie out of the room. As Charlie disappeared from sight. Morag, Angelo, Ross and Ruby slumped into the chairs that were left in the room. Knowing they had a long wait in front of them.
callyha Posted August 13, 2010 Report Posted August 13, 2010 Sarah, Sam, freckleface, Danni, Scotcaz22 & Charis, thank you so much for the comments. I love reading them! (Glad the ending was ok ) I'm going to do the next update in two parts (I hope that's ok) because I'm going out and I'm not able to write the long chapter I was hoping to write. I'll update as soon as I can. Chapter 47 Later on in the morning As the mask was placed over Charlie's mouth and nose, she thought about how much she wanted to come away from the operation and the hospital to begin sorting her relationship out with Ruby. The relationship she had always wanted, but was cheated out of. Her eyes got heavier and the features in the room began to blur together. Doctors voices became more muffled as they used technical terms and put together all the equipment they would need to perform the operation. Taking one last look at the plain white ceiling, Charlie's eyes closed and her body went limp. ****** "I'm going on a coffee run. Anyone want one?" Morag asked as she hit her legs with her hands "No thanks" Ross replied. Ruby and Angelo shook their heads. "Just me then" Morag said to herself. "I'll go with you" Angelo added, seeing the uneasiness Morag was displaying. Morag smiled to Angelo. "Five minutes" Morag told Ross and Ruby Ruby rose to her feet and began to pace again. "You look like Charlie you know" Ross said as he looked at Ruby "What?" Ruby asked as she looked over to Ross "Charlie. She did the exact same thing you're doing now when you fell out of the tree and broke your arm" Ross remembered "She paced like I am?" "And bit her thumb like you are" Ross smiled Ruby took her thumb away from her mouth and looked at it. She cupped it in her hand and smiled. "Have I always looked like Charlie?" Ruby asked with a smile "Yes. When you were born, you were the double of Charlie when she was born. Blond hair and all" Ross smiled "Really?" Ruby asked "Yes. Friends of the family couldn't tell the difference. It was only when Elsie and myself were in the pictures you could tell you apart" "By the clothes you were wearing?" Ruby smiled "And the way our hair was" Ross laughed "Thanks for telling me this dad" Ruby smiled "Don't you mean granddad?" Ross asked Ruby smiled and shook her head. "You are my dad" "And I am so proud to be that" Ross smiled as he brought Ruby close for a hug. ********** "I just wanted to say thank you Angelo" Morag said as she and Angelo made there way back to the room "I thought you could use a hand to bring the one coffee back to the room" Angelo replied "I don't mean that" Morag replied as she gently hit Angelo "I mean, been there for Charlie and Ruby, it can't be easy for you" ""Or you. Having to see Ross go through this" Angelo replied "He's coping better than he did before. And we have you to thank for that. Every time Ruby has needed someone to talk to, you've been there. Same with Charlie. She's handling this better than she would if you weren't there" "Can I tell you something? And you won't tell anyone else?" Angelo asked "You want to tell me that you are in love with Charlie?" Morag replied "And you want to know if she feels the same way?" Angelo's eyes widened. "Take it from that face I'm right" "Only a lot" "I think Charlie needs time to recover, and I think that there could be something there. But you can't act on them, Charlie needs to focus on her rehab" Morag replied Angelo nodded. "I'm not going to say anything Angelo, you have my word" ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Romeo, Xavier and Nicole met up at the diner. All having had a better night sleep. "You look better than you did yesterday" Romeo said to Nicole "Thanks" Nicole replied. "I think our talk helped" "Yea, I spoke to mum about it. She says its normal to still be affected" "Marylin said that too" Romeo added "Has anyone heard from Ruby?" Xavier asked "Not since I saw her at the hospital" Nicole replied "Why?" "Mum said something to me last night which made sense" Xavier began "About how after I saw Angelo and made sure he was alright, I never had that weighing on my mind" "Marylin said that maybe we need to see Charlie or find out how she's doing to be able to deal with all this" Romeo said as he added on to Xavier's remark "But from the way Ruby was, I don't think visitors are welcome, unless they're family" Nicole replied "Oh yea, what are you three planning?" Irene asked as she walked up to them "Nothing" Romeo replied "Hey, Irene. You haven't heard from Ross or Morag have you?" Nicole asked "No I haven't. Why has something happened?" Irene asked, worried. "No, well, at least we don't think so. Its just.." "Shocked?" Irene added "Yes" Romeo replied "Colleen, Leah and I are the exact same. We thought Leah would know something, but last time Leah saw her, she had just done or was about to do her rehab" "Rehab? Why?" Xavier asked "To help her walk" Irene replied "Dad said something about that. Both times he saw Charlie she was immobile. Just laying there in the bed" Nicole replied "So you haven't heard from Ruby?" Irene asked "No. Not really. I mean, I saw her at the hospital the other night, but she was really upset and all over the place" "Poor girl. I can't imagine what she's thinking" Irene replied. "Anyway, you wait here and I'll get you some food" "Thanks Irene" Romeo replied. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Two hours later Charlie was wheeled back into her room. Much to the relief of Ros, Ruby, Morag and Angelo. Tubes came from Charlie's chest. More stitches could be seen on her left side. "How did it go?" Ross asked "Very well. The repair has worked her lung has stabilized, so we shouldn't have any more problems with her breathing. But we will be monitoring her breathing patterns through out the rest of the day and the night" Dr. Powell replied "And what's with all the tubes?" Ruby asked as she looked at Charlie with a tear falling down her face "Morphine drips. They're going directly into where Charlie will fell the pain. It looks worse then it actually is" "But she has more stitches. Charlie didn't want anymore" Ruby added "When they have been taken out, there will be no scar" Dr. Powell assured "You sure?" Ruby asked "Yes." "Thank you doctor" Ross said to the doctor. The doctor nodded and left the room. Angelo, Ruby, Morag and Ross moved closer to the bed. Waiting for the first sign of Charlie waking up. I hope this is ok. *Fingers crossed* And part 2 or the next chapter will be up as soon as I can do it
callyha Posted August 14, 2010 Report Posted August 14, 2010 Danni, Sam, Sarah and Mel... Thank you for the comments! PS, Charlie29, Thanks for the comment on chapter 46 xx Chapter 48 No noise. Only the beep of the machine that was monitoring Charlie's breathing could be heard. No one moved. Only the line on the machine moved, indicating its reading of Charlie's breathing. No one was awake. Only the birds that chirped outside the window. The sun peered in and light up the shaded room. The glare from the sun shone on Angelo's face. The brightness of the sun caused him to stir a little. Stretching -and yawning- Angelo wiped his face and sat up from the cold floor he had layed down on. Still, no one was awake. Only Angelo, and he wasn't too pleased. He glanced over to Charlie, she hadn't moved an inch. Not up the bed, across the bed or down the bed. She was in the same position she was in when she was moved back into the room. Angelo then glanced over to Morag. She was asleep in the chair, her chin was resting on her chest and her arms were folded over her body. She didn't look to be comfortable, but Angelo thought Morag wouldn't care. Angelo then looked to Ross. He too, was in one of the chairs that had been brought in from the waiting room. He looked like his was more comfortable than Morag, but still uncomfortable. Angelo then looked to Ruby. She was in the chair from the corridor. A hard based, hard backed chair that was very uncomfortable. Ruby was near Charlie's bed. Her hand holding on to Charlie's hand, her other arm was linked around Charlie's arm, her head and upper body was -nearly- on the pillow along with Charlie's head. Angelo smiled at the scene. All of Charlie's family was there for her. Everyone she cared about: Her dad, her daughter and her step-mother. Angelo glanced at his watch. 12:20. His eyes widened when he realized that for the last two hours, he, Morag, Ruby and Ross had been asleep. Angelo then walked towards the door. Making sure he had his wallet, he left the room and headed for the canteen. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Romeo sat on the couch in the house. Not doing much. He just sat there. He thought about his conversations. And how they made sense. Romeo looked to the clock on the shelf. 12:25. "Are you going to do something today?" Miles asked as he walked over to the couch. "I thought about it, but I don't think I want to do anything" Romeo replied "That sounds very boring" Miles replied. "Well, I'm off to the diner. Be back later" "See ya" Romeo replied Romeo looked to the door. He bit his lip as he thought about something. Romeo grabbed his phone from his pocket and text Nicole and Xavier. Hey, meet me on the beach in fifteen. FIFTEEN MINUTES LATER Nicole and Xavier walked along the path towards Romeo. Romeo stood, swaying from side to side as he waited impatiently for Nicole and Xavier to catch him up. "About time" Romeo said as they joined him "What's this about?" Nicole asked as she looked to Romeo "Sorry, did I get you out of bed?" Romeo asked "No" Nicole snapped "Sorry, I'm just stressed" "Why?" Romeo asked "Why? Dad's mood swings are really bad now, I shouldn't have told him about any of this" Nicole replied "Nic, you had too. You were getting, we were getting to the point of insomnia" Xavier replied as he took Nicole's hand "He's been through so much. I've just added to that" Nicole replied "Well, he did bring it on himself" Xavier replied "Xave" Romeo said "I'm sorry, but he chose to drink. So that's self-inflicted" Nicole looked down at the sand. "I don't think he can help me anyway" "Why do you say that?" Romeo asked "Dad coped with Angelo been around Charlie by punching things. He coped with his and Charlie's break up by been with that woman. He coped with the accident by drinking" Nicole answered "I don't think he could give me a good answer to help me cope" "That's why I think we should do this" Romeo began.... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Angelo walked back along the corridors carrying three coffees, a hot chocolate and four sandwiches. As he juggled everything so that he could open the door, he heard muffled voices coming from inside the room. "What time is it?" Ross asked as he stretched Morag glanced down at her watch before she stretched. "12:40" Morag replied Ross looked over to Charlie and Ruby. Ruby still had hold of Charlie's hand and was still asleep. "She is so exhausted" Ross said as he smiled Angelo walked in the room. "Coffee and a sandwich?" He smiled "Yes please" Ross smiled and walked over to Angelo to give him a hand. "Charlie still not awake?" Angelo asked as he handed Morag a coffee and a sandwich "No. How long have you been awake?" Morag asked as she took a sip of her drink "About twenty minutes or so" Angelo replied "And you didn't think to wake us up?" Morag asked "No, I thought you could do with the sleep. All of you" Angelo replied, looking particularly at Charlie and Ruby. "Well, I do agree with you there" Ross smiled. For the next hour, Morag, Ross and Angelo let Ruby and Charlie rest. Ruby especially. Standing in the corridor, none of them spoke. There was nothing to say. They all were thankful to each other for been there, and the smiles they gave each other every so often showed that. "Erm, when do you restart work?" Morag asked "Next week. When this comes off" Angelo replied as he pointed t the cast on his arm "Why?" "No reason" Morag replied "Avery and Watson are looking for the guys, don't worry" Angelo replied, figuring out why Morag asked the question "Oh, I don't doubt that, I just" Morag began "Want one less thing to worry about" Angelo added "Yes" Morag smiled "Well, as soon as I step foot back in the station I'm putting myself on the case" Angelo replied "Can you hear that?" Ross said as he turned his head slightly. Morag and Angelo listened. They could hear muffled voices and footsteps coming towards them. Romeo, Xavier and Nicole turned the last corner and were met by Morag, Ross and Angelo staring at them. "Sorry, have we come at a bad time?" Romeo asked "No" Ross replied with a smile "Sorry, we should have asked if us coming here was ok" Nicole replied "Its fine" Ross replied "We brought these for Charlie" Nicole said as she put the bouquet of flowers out in front of her. "Charlie's asleep at the minute, but you can't wait here with us if you like? I know it'd mean the world to Ruby" Ross smiled "Is Ruby here?" Xavier asked "She's in there with Charlie" Morag replied "How is Ruby?" Nicole asked "She's better than she was" Ross began. "But this last operation has put Ruby back where she started" "What operation?" Romeo asked "That doesn't matter. What matters is Charlie is going to be ok, and you don't have to worry about her any more" Morag smiled Nicole looked to Morag, wondering how Morag knew why they were there "I know that you saw what happened, Ruby told me that she saw you the other night" "Oh right. Look, I know it seems selfish that we've only come here to help ourselves, but" Nicole began "Its not selfish. Charlie and Angelo knew who was there when it happened. To be honest, Charlie worried about everyone else before she worried about herself. She wanted to make sure you were alright. And Angelo" Morag added "And how are you. I mean, with everything that's happened?" Xavier asked Ross "I'm alright. But I'd be better when I know Charlie is alright" Ross replied. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Charlie's eyes flickered as the anesthetic wore off. Features in the room we easily made out. Her chest didn't give her as much pain as it used to when she took a breath in. Charlie smiled to herself. She was no longer in pain. Glancing to her left, Charlie saw Ruby still asleep and still holding on to her hand. Charlie smiled once again and brought her right hand over her body and gently stroked Ruby's hair.
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