Just popping in to say, that after all this time, I think Charity’s found the one for her.

SPOILERS FOR NEXT WEEK

Not sure if there’s any point in posting them anymore I have to say. Vanessa and Charity are doing their own thing in separate stories.

Vanessa:

Aware she hasn’t been honest with Vanessa, Suzy wonders if she’s better off without her – leaving Vanessa stunned. Feeling she’s at fault for coming on too strong, Vanessa pleads with Suzy not to give up on them, but what will Suzy do?If she continues the relationship, how long will it be until Vanessa finds out the truth?

Charity:

Noah tells his mum that he wants to do a runner. Charity refuses to go along with Noah’s plan so he heads out on his own, leaving Charity fearful as to whether or not he could even come back. On his own, Noah is interrupted by Sarah (Katie Hill), but can she persuade him to face up to his wrongdoings?Will he plead guilty – despite being convinced he hasn’t done anything wrong?

WEEK AFTER NEXT:

Charity is pleased to hear Mackenzie defending her son.

This will probably be the last spoilers post I make unless we get some Vanity spoilers. I don’t think anyone, me included, likes reading about Vanity with other partners so this is probably it for now.

Spoilers for next week:

Suzy’s second secret is revealed: she knew Moira’s daughter Holly. Holly died of a overdose in 2016 and Vanessa was with Moira when that happened and supported her.

Charity despairs (about Noah). We don’t know what exactly happens this week or the next apart from some vague spoilers. But…

Week after next:

Noah is up in court to face the consequences of his actions. So someone reports him to the police (Chloe or Charity) for what he did to Chloe.

Also looks like Suzy will either confess her secrets or break up with Vanessa.

Spoilers for next week:

Big flashforward week with Noah and Charity involved.

Noah traps Chloe at JF and Charity walks in right at that moment. She finds out what Noah’s been up to. She panics and will have to make a decision. On Friday she breaks the Dingle code (she probably reports Noah to the police).

Thursday, May 12: Charity continues to panic

She’s shocked by what Noah has done.

Spoilers for the week of the 16th:

Suzy has another connection in the village, something from her past she doesn’t want Vanessa to know.

Chapter 14

Vanessa stood there watching and waiting with baited breath to see what Charity was going to do. Did Charity like the fact that this man was coming onto her? Did she instigate the flirting? Were they even flirting?

“You’ve got 5 seconds to move your hand before I break it!” Said an irate Charity.

“I thought this is what you liked, what you used to get paid for?” The man joked.

“Stop this immediately”, Graham replied.

“Oh give it a rest Graham he’s just having a bit of fun”.

Grabbing the mans hand Charity rips it away from her, twisting it causing the man physical pain, “I warned you that if you didn’t move it I would break it”.

“Ooooh she’s a feisty one, I like it”, the man said although it was clear by the grimace on his face that she was causing him pain.

Vanessa looked on from afar wondering if she should go and stop Charity from getting herself into trouble. Vanessa knew what Joe Tate was like and how he wouldn’t think twice about getting the police involved.

“You ever touch me or anyone else who doesn’t want your sleazy hands touching them I promise you I will break your hand.” Charity said slowly untwisting the mans hand. “Now get out of my pub, you are not welcome here”.

Downing the rest of his drink, pained and rather embarrassed he collected his things and left the pub.

“You’re lucky I’m not throwing all of you out. You’ve got one life left I’d be careful if I were you”. Charity threatened the three of them.

“I rather enjoyed that little altercation, see the thing is Charity you can tell everyone you’ve changed and your a better person. But deep down you are still the money grabbing prostitute that killed my father”.

“Go on get out”, Chas shouted across the bar. “You are not welcome here anymore”.

“Oh don’t worry who wants to spend time in this dump anyway”, Joe replied.

“Let’s go”, Graham said pushing Joe towards the door, as Graham walked past Charity he said “I’m sorry about what just happened, I really am”.

Vanessa immediately rushed over to where Charity was stood, wrapping her arms around her she held onto her as she knew what just happened had upset Charity.

“I’m here, I am so proud of you for how you handled that”, Vanessa expressed in a very calming way.

“How much did you see”.

“I saw all of it, I’m not gunna lie to you when I walked in and saw him with his hands on you I thought the worst. I thought you were flirting with him, I feel bad for thinking it.”

“I don’t blame you, I’d have thought the exact same thing. I felt physically sick when he touched me, the only person I want touching me is you”. Charity said as she kissed Vanessa on the cheek.

“Chas, can she take a quick break?”

“Of course, take as long as you need”.

***

Making their way into the back Charity sat down on the sofa while Vanessa made her a cup of tea.

“He’s never going to let it go is he?” Charity said.

“Who? Joe?”

“Yeah, he thinks I killed Chris, but I didn’t. I loved him, but while Joe is still around here he will do everything he can to make my life a misery”.

“We won’t let him. We won’t let him ruin anything, I promise”.

“What did I do to deserve you?”

“Well it all started when you were being a sarcastic little madam, but some how I couldn’t stop myself falling for your charm”.

“Sarcastic? Me?”, Charity joked.

“Being serious though for a minute, you have changed and you are a better person. Yes you have your moments where the old Charity can’t help but come to play but I know you’re a better person than you used to be, because otherwise I wouldn’t be with you.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, don’t let some arrogant rich douchebag stop you from shining and blossoming into a softy, but promise me you’ll never lose that sarcastic sense of humour that I love” Vanessa expressed.

“You love my sense of humour?”

“Yes, you make me laugh all the time, sometimes when I should be mad at you.”

“That’s the Dingle charm you know”, Charity joked as she winked at Vanessa.

“Come here you”, Vanessa said caressing Charity’s face as she kissed her.

“I should probably get back to work, even though all I want to do is stay right here”, Charity replied.

“I’m sure Chas wouldn’t mind a few more minutes. While we are alone I just wanted to say how cute this morning was. Seeing you and Johnny get on so well literally melted my heart”.

“He’s a great kid, I must admit when he hugged me I was covered in goosebumps and I couldn’t keep the smile off my face. Which surprised me as sometimes I barely love my kids let alone someone else’s”.

“He gives good hugs doesn’t he?”

“Almost as good as his mother”.

“Lets do something one weekend, all of us”.

“Sounds perfect. Right i hate to leave but I must get back to work. Talk to you later?”

“I look forward to it”.

The pair embraced as they said there goodbyes.

***

While Charity and Vanessa were having their conversation, Graham popped back into the pub to apologise again to Charity.

“Before you throw me out again, I’m not here to cause trouble. I just wanted to check that Charity was ok.”

“She’s taking a break at the moment, she was quite shook up by what happened”,Chas replied.

“I should have stepped in, no one should ever be touched when they don’t want to be or without giving permission.”

“Then why didn’t you?”

“Charity is a very strong woman, I knew she would be able to handle herself. If he hadn’t of listened to her or she couldn’t deal with it I would have stepped in”.

“Look you seem like a decent enough guy but as long as you are working for that nasty piece of work Charity won’t want any help from you”.

“That’s fair enough, like I said I just wanted to make sure she was ok. If you could pass on the message I’d be grateful”.

“Will do”, Chas replied as a Graham left.

Charity reappeared from her break just in time to see Graham heading out of the door, “what did he want?”.

“To check you were ok?”

“Like he cares…”

“He seemed pretty genuine but as long as he’s working for Joe I wouldn’t trust him as far as I could throw him. Anyway you ok? All ok with Vanessa?”

“I’m fine, just hated him thinking it was ok to touch me. Yeah she wanted to punch him but she didn’t want to make the situation any worse. She did think I was flirting with him at first”.

“Can’t blame her though really can you?”

“No, even though I feel like I’m changing for the better, my reputation will always be the home wrecker, bitch who can’t take care of herself let alone anyone else”.

“But you do know that’s you anymore”

“I know but she’s still in there deep down”.

“Stop being so hard on yourself and get back to work, there are punters waiting”, Chas said jokingly.

“Alright Alright”, Charity replied.

It was a relatively quiet night at the woolpack and Charity was busy texting Vanessa as there were no customers to serve. The peace was shattered when Debbie came in running her mouth off after hearing what had happened earlier on that day.

“Why didn’t you tell me what happened earlier with Joe Tate and his sleazy business partner?” An angry Debbie asked her mum.

“Because I didn’t want you to get like this and do something you’d regret.”

“Someone’s got to do something, if it hadn’t of been you standing up to him who knows what would have happened”.

“Debbie just leave it, his is not worth it.”

“He needs to realise he cannot mess with my family and get away with it”, Debbie said angrily as she storms out the pub.

“Debbie, Debbie, come back here. Debbie…Don’t do anything stupid”, Charity shouted at her.

Charity knew when her daughter was serious about something and she didn’t like the look in her eyes. Worried she will do something stupid she rings Cain.

Chapter 13:

After the most perfect couple of days Vanessa woke in the arms of her girlfriend, she really was the happiest she had been in a very long time. Turning to face Charity she kissed her on the tip of her nose and quietly said “Morning”.

Charity slowly woke to see a smiley Vanessa lay next to her with crazy bed head, “Morning you! Did you sleep well?”

“All the better for you being here, you did give me a heart attack though. Your hands were so cold when you put them around me last night”, Vanessa replied.

“Oops sorry, I must admit it was rather nice to wake up next to you two mornings in a row”.

Before the conversation could go any further in burst Johnny yelling “mummy”. Charity quickly pulls the covers over her making sure he couldn’t see anything.

“Morning baby boy, come here”, Vanessa replied as Johnny climbed onto the bed to get a morning cuddle off his mum.

“Whose that?”, Johnny asked.

“This is Charity, remember she helped us when we had to go to the hospital, she stayed for a sleep over last night”.

All snuggled into his mums chest he shyly waved to Charity, this instantly put a smile on Charity’s face. Waving back she quietly said “Hello Johnny, nice to see you again”.

“Do you want to see my dinosaurs?” He replied.

“I would love to”. Charity said as Johnny hopped off the bed to go and get his collection of dinosaurs. He returned with his favourites and he sat there on the bed showing Charity each individual one.

Vanessa sat there watching the two most important people in her life at this precise moment interact in such a caring manner. She knew that many people in the village had always criticised Charity on how she raised and was around her children. But in that very moment she knew that Charity was a great mother and could potentially be a great mother to Johnny.

“What noise does this one make Johnny?”

“ROARRRRR” replied Johnny.

“Like this… ROARRRR.”

Vanessa sat there giggling away, “if you could see yourself right now”.

“Shhh, I am bonding with your son. I think I make a very good dinosaur.”

“Well no doubt you’ve been compared to them in the past”, Vanessa joked.

“Oi”, Charity replied throwing one of Johnny’s dinosaurs at her.

“Ouch, that hit me right in the face”

“Was a good shot then”.

Johnny sat there laughing at his Mummy and Charity being silly.

“Do you know who else likes dinosaurs johnny?” Charity asked.

“No…”

“Moses, my son! Would you like to come and play with him on day?”

“Yes please, can my dinosaurs come?”

“Of course they can, all of them”, Charity replied.

“Looks like we’ve got ourself a play date”, Vanessa proudly responded.

“Let’s just hope they get on”, Charity said leaning over to kiss Vanessa gently on the lips. “I’ve got to head off as I promised a Chas I’d open up, I’ll see you later?”

“Yeah I’ll pop in for a pint”.

“I look forward to it. Johnny I’ll see you soon, can I have a high five?” A hopeful Charity asked.

Instead of a high five, Johnny leaped into the arms of Charity and gave her a big hug. Covering her body in goosebumps and her face with love, could this be her future? Could these two be a part of her family for the rest of her life?

***

Over at the Woolpack Charity is rushing round making sure everything is ready for opening as she knows Chas will be on her back if it isn’t.

“You’re actually ready for opening”, a shocked Chas said.

“New day new me and all that…”

“I take it you had a nice evening last night?”

“It was lovely thank you, this morning was even better though.”

“Ohhh I don’t need to hear about your morning sex”.

“No actually it had nothing to do with that, I had time to play with Johnny this morning and bond with him.”

“You really have fallen hard haven’t you?”

“I think there are some glasses I need to collect.. over there”, Charity said trying to avoid answering that question.

“It’s nice to see”, Chas shouted to Charity across the bar, she couldn’t stop the smile from appearing on her face.

Charity was still in such a good mood after what happened this morning, she was actually being nice to everyone today which made a change from her usual sarcastic self. Her mood quickly turned sour when Joe Tate, Graham and Jimmy walked in, they had arrived to have a business meeting with a potential client.

“How’s Noah?”, a smug Joe asked Charity, as he knew it would wind her up.

“He is fine, not that it’s any of your business”.

“3 pints when you’re ready please Charity”, Jimmy asked. “We’ll be over there”.

“I’m not a waitress, you can take your own drinks to your table”.

“There’s the service we expect from a place like this”, Joe replied.

“Well if you don’t like it, you know where the door is!” Charity said slamming the last pint on the bar. They took their drinks over to their table and waited for their potential client.

“Ugh that boy makes my blood boil”, Charity said to Chas.

“He’s so smug”.

“I just wish he’d never come back here, I’m just glad Noah seems to have lost interest of getting to know him”.

“We can but hope”, Chas replied. The pair stood there people watching wondering what was going on in everyone’s conversations, when a hunky young man walked in.

“Shot gun”, Charity yelled.

“Remember you’ve got a girlfriend”

“Oh yeah, you better serve him then”, Charity said with the smallest hint of disappointment in her voice. Making herself look busy Charity listened in on the conversation between Chas and this new fella.

“What can I get you love?”

“I’ll have a slim line gin and tonic please”

“Sure thing, so I’ve not seen you around here before?”

“I’m here for a business meeting with a Mr Tate”

“Good luck with that one”, she sarcastically replied.

“Thanks, I think”. He replied as he walked over to join the business meeting.

As soon as he walked away Charity came rushing over to Chas, “so… who was he?”

“I don’t know, didn’t ask for his name did I?”

“You are useless, wonder what his deal is with Joe”.

“No idea, he seemed like a nice enough guy”.

“He seemed mighty fine to me”, Charity said. Chas gave Charity a very disapproving look, “i know I know I’m off limits but a girl can still admire”.

***

The business meeting was still in full swing and Charity was doing her best to listen into what was being said.

“You look like your constipated? Is that your concentration face?” Ross joked as he walked into the pub to collect Moses.

“Shut up Ross I’m trying to listen to their conversation”.

“What from over the other side of the bar? You got the hearing of a bat or something?”

“No, but maybe if you shut up for one second I’d have more chance hearing”.

“Look is Moses ready or…”

“He’s currently taking a nap, he should be awake soon”

“Ok, well I’ll have a pint while I wait… what’s this I hear about you having a girlfriend.”

“News travels fast round here doesn’t it. Vanessa is my girlfriend and we are very happy”.

“Doesn’t bother me, I mean I didn’t see it coming but it’s non of my business is it. I’m just the baby daddy”.

“Oh Ross you are so much more than a baby daddy, you’re a great babysitter when I need one too”, teased Charity. “Joking obviously, your a great dad and Moses loves you”.

“Where’s the bitchy, mean, heartless Charity disappeared to?”

“Ha ha.. funny. I’m trying to be a nicer better person to important people in my life. And as Moses dad you are one of those”.

“Look I’m happy for you, if Vanessa is the one who can tame and make you a nicer person then I’m all for it”.

“I think that was a compliment”

“It’s all your gunna get. Right I’m gunna go get Moses, I’ll bring him back tomorrow evening, ok?”

“Perfect, make sure you give him his blue dinosaur when he goes to bed, he can’t sleep without it at the moment”.

“Will do”.

As much as Charity loved having free and alone time from her kids, she never got used to the image of them leaving even if it was just for the night. Deep down she really was a softy.

Determined to find out what the meeting over in the corner was about Charity walked over ready to flirt her way to obtain answers.

“Top up gentlemen?”

“Well have the same again please Charity”, Graham politely responded.

“So you’re the famous Charity I’ve heard so much about”, the hunky business man said.

“All good I hope?”

“Pfft, with your background. The only thing I could possibly tell anyone about you is Noah” Joe said in an aggressive manner.

“Joe don’t…” Graham replied trying to calm the situation down.

“Oh I don’t know, I heard in the past you went at a good rate”, the business man said grabbing onto her arse.

At the exact time he grabbed Charity’s arse, in walked Vanessa. She stood there in shock waiting to see what the hell was going on before jumping to any conclusions. Surely Charity hadn’t already started making moves on others? There must be a perfectly reasonable explanation for all of this…

Chapter 12

Rhona and Vanessa are enjoying a catch up over a few drinks in the pub, “so come on then where did you take her?”, Rhona asked.

“So we went to that fancy new spa, it was beautiful and they couldn’t do enough for us. They gave us one of their executive suites, endless champagne, they also gave us the best seat in their restaurant. It was just amazing”.

“An executive suite? How did you manage that?”

“I don’t really know, I just explained that I wanted the night to be perfect, as it was our first proper date and I wanted to ask her to be my girlfriend”.

“What? You asked Charity to be your girlfriend?” A shocked Rhona asked.

“Well no, in the end I didn’t get the chance to”.

“What do you mean didn’t get the chance?”

“Well she beat me to it, I went to the toilet, returned and there was a note on my chair asking me if I wanted to be her girlfriend?”

“Wait, hold up a minute… Charity Dingle asked you if you wanted to be her girlfriend? The woman who doesn’t do labels or romance asked you, Wow I did not expect that”.

“I didn’t expect it either, I was blown away.”

“So… what did you say?”

“Yes, Of course”

Rhona was very happy for Vanessa, so happy in fact she gave her a high five over the table.

Meanwhile over at the bar a very similar conversation was going on between Charity, Chas and Paddy.

“So come on I want the details, apart from the handcuffs did everything else go to plan”, Chas asked.

“It was perfect, the hotel spa was beautiful, the food was delicious and she said yes”.

“She said yes to what?”, a shocked Paddy quickly asked.

“To marry me, I know it’s early on but true love is true love”, after a long pause Charity laughed, “you two should see your faces, I asked her to be my girlfriend.”

“I believed you for a second there”, Paddy replied.

“You asked Vanessa to be your girlfriend? You really are turning all mushy on us” Chas teased.

“No, I’m not turning mushy I just listened to what everyone was saying and decided to bite the bullet and go for it”.

“As if you asked Vanessa, where’s the bitchy, ice cold charity we all love to hate gone?”, Paddy joked.

“Shut up Paddy, no one asked you anyway”.

“I’m proud of you, well apart from forgetting the key. You are never going to live that down”, Chas said.

Charity smiled, “is it ok if I go talk to Debs, she won’t forgive me if I don’t tell her myself”.

“Yeah go on”.

***

Charity made her way to the back where she found Debbie and Sarah watching TV, “guess whose back”, Charity yelled.

“Granny Charity” Sarah said as she jumped off the sofa to give Charity a hug.

“Less of the granny please”

“So how was your date?” Debbie asked.

“Who was your date with?”

Charity looked over at Debbie, as if to ask do I tell her. Debbie gave her mum the nod as if to say nows the time to have this conversation.

“Come sit with us Sarah, so I went on a very nice date with a woman yesterday, you may know her. Vanessa the vet from down the road”.

“The one whose sisters with Tracy”, Sarah replied.

“Yeah that’s her. Some people in life will say that it is not normal for two women or two men to date or marry, but those people are ignorant and quite frankly wrong. There is no such thing as normal and I’m a firm believer that if two people love each other then regardless of gender, age, race or any other factor they should be able to live happy and love one another.”

“I understand don’t worry, like Aaron and Robert.”

“Yeah that’s right, you see us dingles we don’t judge people for who they love or are dating. Others will but we ignore them and just live happy”, Charity said with a smile on her face.

“So you and Vanessa, how was your date? I need details granny”.

“Not too many details alright mum”, Debbie joked.

“She took me to a really nice spa, we enjoyed some dinner, a massage and I also asked her to be my girlfriend”, Charity said blushing.

“So I’m going to have two grannies now?”

“Woah babe, slow down. It’s still the early stages of our relationship”.

“I’m happy for you mum, you seem really happy and the fact you asked her is a massive step for you, especially as you have a phobia of labels well and commitment”.

“So if Vanessa came for dinner one night would you like to meet her properly?”

“Yeah I’d love to…” Sarah replied with a big grin on her face.

“Come here you two, I don’t tell you this enough but I love you both very much”, Charity said hugging the two of them tightly.

***

Now that Vanessa had filled Rhona in on her love life, it was time for Vanessa to find out what was going on with Rhona.

“So how’s things going with pete?”

“Yeah really well, he’s actually such a nice guy. I’m having fun and that’s what I need to get over Paddy”.

“I’m happy for you Rhona, it’s nice to see you with a permanent smile on your face. And thanks for looking after Johnny last night, I really appreciate it”.

“Anytime you know that!”

Charity walked over to them both with a fresh round of drinks, “here we go ladies, mind if I join you”.

“Take a seat been meaning to congratulate you”, Rhona replied.

“Congratulate?”

“On beating Vanessa in the race to pop the girlfriend question”.

“Ooooh Thanks, I thought it was time I manned up and got the girl before she got bored of me”, Charity said winking at Vanessa.

“I could never get bored of you”.

“So Rhona how are things with Pete?”

Vanessa and Rhona looked at each other and laughed.

“What’s so funny?” Charity asked.

“Nothing, Vanessa just asked me the exact same question. Things are going well, I’m enjoying his company and well he is very good in bed”.

“Always a bonus”

“Watch it you, men are off your radar for the foreseeable future”, Vanessa said with authority.

“Yes babe I know they are, I’m just saying someone who knows what they are doing in bed is always a bonus”.

“Well let’s just say Pete could be regarded as an expert”. Rhona bragged.

“Yes Rhona, girl is getting some”, Charity replied. “Right ladies I’d love to stay and chat but Chas is giving me the evils, Rhona is was nice seeing you and babe I’ll see you tomorrow”, Charity said kissing Vanessa on the cheek.

“Bye”, vanessa said with a slight sad tone to her voice.

“You two are adorably cute!”, Rhona said. “Right i should probably go, Petes cooking me dinner, I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“You will indeed, have fun. I’ll walk out with you, need to go see my little boy”.

***

“Last orders”, Charity said to a very empty pub. “Chas…”.

“Yes…”

“Any chance you can close tonight.. I’ll open up tomorrow”

“Go on then… don’t be late tomorrow”.

“You’re the best”, said a smiley Charity as she disappeared into the back. The reason why Charity was so desperate to get away quickly is because she planned to use the key Vanessa had given her earlier on in the day to surprise her.

The time was around 11:30 and the village was quiet, Charity wrapped up warm to take the short walk to Vanessa’s. The house was dark, she quietly let herself in trying to make sure she didn’t wake up anyone. She slowly made her way upstairs walking into a sleeping Vanessa’s room, taking off her clothes she climbed into her bed. Vanessa woke due to the movement in the bed, “hello?”

“Only me babe”

“What you doing here?” Said a half sleeping Vanessa.

“Wanted to fall asleep with my girlfriend”, Charity replied wrapping her arms around Vanessa, snuggling up for the night.

“I could get used to this”. Vanessa said lovingly.

Chapter 11

Morning came as the sun beamed through the window of the hotel suite. After a day of passion, love, happiness and some misfortune the couple lay there peacefully asleep interlocked with one another. Vanessa woke to the sight of her girlfriend asleep next to her, she thought to herself how close to perfect yesterday was. After reflection about the handcuff situation she giggled about it to herself, as only Charity could forget the key.

Carefully getting out of the bed she wrapped herself up in the bed sheet, made herself a cup of tea and sat out on the balcony in the glorious sunshine. She took the alone time to reflect on the past couple of months, she couldn’t quite believe the direction her life had taken. Not only was she happily dating a woman, she was dating the woman who nearly put her father in prison, she was fully aware that Charity had her flaws but she was willing to let the past be the past and only look to the future.

Meanwhile inside Charity woke to find the bed beside her empty, a moment of panic came over her. Had the mistakes of the night before made Vanessa think twice about things? Had she done a runner? She frantically looked for Vanessa around the room, her pulse slowed once she saw her sat outside on the balcony. Putting on her robe, she makes her way over to open the door, “Good morning”, she said smiling at Vanessa.

“Morning, come join me”, Vanessa said tapping her knee inviting Charity to come sit down.

“If I sit on your knee I’ll break it”, Charity joked. “Ill sit down and you can sit on my lap”.

Vanessa changed places with Charity as she didn’t want to miss the opportunity to have a morning cuddle in the sunshine.

“Well this is rather cosy, I could get used to this”, Vanessa said squeezing Charity’s arms that were wrapped around her.

“I just wish it was slightly warmer”, Charity responded.

“I’m going to go order our breakfast and then head for a shower”.

Charity desperately wanted to say that she would come and join Vanessa in the shower but she knew she needed to get her final surprise ready. “Alright babe, I’m just going to chill here for a little bit”.

Vanessa headed off to order room service, making sure the coast was clear Charity took a jewellery box out from her robe pocket. What was in the box? Surely it wasn’t a ring already?

*beep beep* Charity’s phone went off, it was Chas checking in to see how their date had gone.

*Morning, just checking to see you’ll be in work later? But also to see how the big date went… can you tell me what your surprise was yet? Chas x*

Deciding it was easier to give her a ring, Charity phoned Chas.

“Hiya, only me”

“So… how did it go?”

“It was eventful, I forgot the keys to the handcuffs”

“Hahaha, you didn’t..only you”

“Alright Alright no need to rub it in”

“How did you manage to free her”

“Bolt cutters”

“Oh god, this is priceless”

“You tell anyone Chas and you are dead”

“But it would be worth it…”

“Goodbye Chas”, Charity said hanging up the phone.

Charity takes one last look at what’s in the jewellery box, takes a deep breath and heads inside. There was a knock at the door, it was a member of staff with their breakfast, “thank you” Charity said.

“Ness breakfast is here”

“Two seconds”

Charity took this opportunity to lay the table and make it look pretty, she placed the jewellery box on the table.

A chirpy Vanessa walked in with a spring in her step, “wow this looks delicious” she said sitting down without noticing the box on the table.

Tucking into her full English Vanessa still hadn’t noticed the box, she wondered why Charity hadn’t started eaten yet…”You not hungry?”

“Yeah sorry I was miles away… it looks yummy”.

Coming to the end of their full English the box was still sat there, Charity decided to mention it, “babe what’s that black box?”

“Ohh I don’t know”, she replied taking the lid off the box. “Oh my god”, Vanessa said in a loving way.

“What…What is it?”

“You know exactly what is it…” Vanessa took out a silver heart shaped locket, she looked at Charity and gave her the softest smile in the world.

“Open it…”

With her hands shaking from excitement, Vanessa opened the locket to find a photo of her little man Johnny and the other side a photo of herself and Charity. She was speechless, tears began to fall down her face, she couldn’t believe that this was happening.

“Babe don’t cry”, Charity said reaching across the table to comfort her.

“They are happy tears, it is beautiful. I love it”. As she met Charity half way across the table giving her a kiss.

“Here, ill put it on for you”, Charity said, moving all of Vanessa’s hair out of the way.

“It’s beautiful thank you so much”. The pair embraced, as Charity wiped away the tears from Vanessa’s cheek.

“It makes my present look really boring now” said Vanessa.

“Ooooh you’ve got me something?”

“Of course”, Vanessa said as she left to go get the present. She handed Charity a key.

“You’ve got me a new car? You shouldn’t have!” Joked Charity.

“It’s a key to my place, I just want you to feel like you can come and go whenever you please. I know we are nowhere near the living together stage yet but it just makes life easier.”

“Thank you, i will 100% be using this all the time. No getting rid of me now. Right shall we pack and head back to the village”.

“We can pack yes but I’ve booked us a couples massage for this morning”

“A couples massage ey? Shame there will be other people in the room.. all that oil we could have had some fun”, Charity joked.

“We will have to save that for another day”, Vanessa said winking at Charity.

They packed their belongings up and headed down to their massage. The beds were set up right next to each other, they lay there having their massage, both so relaxed. Half way through the massage Charity reached over to hold onto Vanessa’s hand, they led there holding onto one another for the rest of the time. Charity knew that being somewhere where neither of them were known by anyone she had the opportunity to show her soft side and be the romantic she wish deep down she could be back at home.

The pair walking hand in hand arrived at Vanessa car, “before we head back to reality I just want to say thank you for the best date of my life”, Charity said.

“It was my pleasure, you are my girlfriend after all”, they embrace each other kissing passionately before heading home.

***

Back in the village, Chas, Paddy and Rhona were having a drink at the bar.

“I wonder what Vanessa planned for the date?” Rhona asked.

“I’m more interested in what Charity had planned”, Chas replied.

“What do you mean?”

“Well yesterday she told me she had something planned but couldn’t tell me what, so I messaged her this morning and she rang me. Apparently there was an incident with some handcuffs, but you didn’t hear this from me!” Chas said trying to contain her laughter.

“Oh god I dread to think what happened” Paddy replied.

“I think I’ve got some upstairs, I’m tempted to chain you to the bar for when they walk in. Pay back for all those times she’s dropped me in it”, Chas stated.

“Oh go get them quick before they arrive”, Rhona added.

Chas returned with a pair of handcuffs, “Come here Paddy”.

“This isn’t where I would have imagined being tied up by you, but I’ll go with it”.

In walked a smitten Charity and Vanessa only to see Paddy right in front of then handcuffed to the bar. “Chas I could bloody kill you right now”, Charity said whilst giving Chas the death stare.

“Sorry but payback is a bitch”

“Very funny guys, I bet Chas has the key though to let you out. Unlike somebody else I know”, Vanessa said teasing Charity.

“I don’t know if I do actually…” Chas replied.

Paddy’s faced dropped, “you better be joking”.

“Of course i am”.

“Right get us a pint then, we’ve had a long journey”, Charity ordered Chas.

“Get your own pint, as of two minutes ago you are working”.

“Welcome home Charity, hope you had a nice time Charity… ughhh”. Charity mumbled under her breath. “Same again then?”

“Yep”, Paddy answered.

“I’ll have a pint please babe”, Vanessa said winking at her girlfriend. “We’ll be over here”.

Vanessa and Rhona headed over to a table, leaving Paddy and Chas at the bar, “you have a lot to fill me in on, I want all the details”, Rhona said,

“Don’t worry I will tell you everything” a smiley Vanessa replied.

Chapter 10:

Palms sweaty, a nervous Charity is ready to finally reveal what’s she’s been planning all day. “So I wanted to ask you if you’d like to be my…” Charity paused taking a deep breathe in, “my girlfriend?”

A smile appeared on Vanessa’s face as she replied “you are joking?”

“No, for once in my life I’m being deadly serious, it’s taken me days to pluck up the courage to put my stupid phobia about labels in the past and ask you to be my girlfriend”, Charity said in a serious tone.

“No no I don’t mean joking about being your girlfriend, the envelopes the final sentence was going to be *will you be my girlfriend*. I just can’t believe we had the same idea”.

“Really, well I’m glad I got to ask you first, so will you?”

“Yes, a thousand percent yes. I’ve been wanting you to ask for ages, I want everyone to know that I am Charity Dingles girlfriend and I am so proud to be it”.

Charity had never looked so happy, she lent over the table and kissed Vanessa. “Do you want dessert or shall we go back to our room?”

“What do you think?” Vanessa said as she made eye contact with the waitress to ask for the bill.

“This ones on me, I’ll sort the bill out you head back to the room and set the scene” Charity said.
***
Vanessa headed back to the room, she couldn’t quite believe that a woman who didn’t like labels beat her to it by asking her to be her girlfriend first. A smile beaming all over her face, she slipped into her sexy lingerie, lit the candles and poured the champagne.

Moments later a smitten Charity entered the room, “close your eyes, you cant look until I say, ok?”

“Ok ok, but hurry…”

Rushing into the bathroom Charity gets into her sexy new black silk lingerie, she can’t keep the smile off her face. Who would have thought it would have been Charity asking Vanessa to be her girlfriend. Freshening up, she ties her hair in a high pony, sprays herself with her new perfume and puts on her ruby red lipstick.

“Eyes still closed Miss Woodfield?”, Charity asked.

“Yes, but hurry as it’s making me feel sleepy”.

Charity walks towards Vanessa in her lingerie holding a pink fluffy pair of handcuffs, she stops just in front of Vanessa.

“You can open your eyes”.

Vanessa opened her eyes, stunned to see how gorgeous her girlfriend looked, “wow, you look unbelievable. I still can’t believe you are my girlfriend”.

“Better start believing it because I’m not going anywhere, neither are you”, Charity said holding up the pair of handcuffs.

“You better have the key to those before you put them on me”, Vanessa said with a hint of panic to her voice.

“Of course i do babe, now give me your hand!”

Placing the hand cuff around Vanessa hand, Charity leans in for a kiss as she takes the other handcuff and locks it around the bed post. Forcing Vanessa to lie down with her left arm raised above her head.

“You don’t know how tempted I am to tickle you right now”, joked Charity.

“Don’t you dare”.

“Or what?”, Charity teased as she climbed onto the bed, straddling Vanessa. Moving Vanessa’s hair out of the way she tucked it behind her ears caressing her face. “My god you are beautiful”, Charity said lovingly. The pair kiss passionately, as the intensity rises Charity makes her way down Vanessa’s body, gently kissing down her torso. Vanessa breathing increasing with every kiss, Charity reaches under Vanessa to undo her bra, sliding it off one arm but coming to the realisation she can’t get it off the other side due to the handcuffs.

Letting out a little giggle Vanessa joked, “didn’t think that one through did you”.

“Me trying to be romantic never works out”, Charity replied as Vanessa bra was hanging off her left arm.

That little incident didn’t stop the passion and intensity between the two of them at this point, Charity had made her way down to Vanessa knicker line. Hands firmly grasped onto Vanessa’s boobs, Charity tried to show off by attempting to take off Vanessa knickers using her mouth only. Lets just say she failed miserably, she managed to get them to move a couple of centre-meters before moving her hands to help.

Again Vanessa can’t help but let out a giggle, “smooth.. real smooth”. Charity just looked at Vanessa with piercing eyes as if to say shut up.

Charity had finally managed to take Vanessa knickers off, she flung them across the room. Placing her hands firmly back onto to Vanessa chest, Bentley massaging them as she decided it was time to show Vanessa what her *acid tipped tongue* could do.

The room fell silent with the only noises that could be heard being Vanessa’s moans. The moaning becoming louder and more frequent as Charity continued to show Vanessa what she could do with her hands.

Taking a sharp intake of breath Vanessa mumbled, “Right there… don’t stop”. The intensity increased, “Oh my god… YES”, Vanessa screamed. Charity’s face appeared with a huge smile on it, licking her lips she pulled the sheet over them. The pair lay there getting their breath back basking in the romance, “shall I open another bottle?”, Charity asked.

“Yes, i need a drink that was intense”.

A naked Charity climbed out of the bed, walking over to the champagne. As she walked Vanessa admired her perky bum from the bed, “your ass is just perfect”.

“That’s not all that’s perfect about me”, joked Charity.

“Well it’s the only things I’ve managed to find so far”, vanessa teasingly replied.

*POP* as Charity opened the champagne, she poured them both a glass and walked back over to the bed. “I guess your boobs are pretty perfect too…” Vanessa said trying to get herself out of the hole she just dug for herself.

“Nice try babe…” she replied as she got back into bed.

“As much as I love being under your control, any chance you can take the handcuffs off now, my arm has actually gone numb”.

“Yeah I’ll go find them”. Charity said as she hopped out of bed, put on her silk dressing gown and went to look for the keys.

Time passed and Vanessa was beginning to panic as it shouldn’t take long to find a set of keys, “You found them yet?” She shouted from the bed.

“Not yet, they are here somewhere don’t worry”, Charity replied as she began to think she might have left them back at the pub. She emptied her whole bag and the keys were no where to be seen… “we may have a slight problem babe”, Charity quietly said.

“You don’t have the keys do you?”, Vanessa replied with a real sense of worry in her voice.

“No, I don’t know where I put them. I’ve emptied my bag and they aren’t in there…”

“Well what are we going to do?”

“I’m sure there must be a safety latch or something, here let me look”. As she took a closer look at the handcuffs she could see that Vanessa wrist was beginning to turn red from where they were too tight. Trying not to alarm Vanessa she joked, “with my criminal past I’m sure I can pick the lock! You don’t happen to have a hair clip do you?”

“No Charity I don’t, I don’t happen to carry hair clips around with me just incase I get handcuffed to a bed”, a sarcastic Vanessa replied.

“Right you stay here, I’ll go ask at reception if they have bolt cutters or something. I’ll sort this don’t worry”. Charity said leaning into kiss Vanessa, but Vanessa moved her head out of the way.

“Just go…”
***
Realising she had messed up big time Charity rushed to reception to see if they had anything that could help. Charity being Charity told the staff exactly what had happened leaving out no details, the staff couldn’t help but laugh t the situation.

“I’m sure we have some bolt cutters around somewhere, would you like someone to come and do it for you?”

“Best not I’m already in enough trouble I doubt she wants an audience”.

“Ok, someone will have to wait outside as these could technically be used as a weapon”.

“Sure no problem, thanks so much”.

Making her way back to the room, Charity had to try and get rid of the cheesy grin that was on her face. She felt bad for finding all of this funny but she couldn’t help it. “Right wait here, I won’t be a minute”.

“I’m back, Charity to the rescue”, she joked.

“Just get on with it, my wrist is killing me”, an agitated Vanessa replied.

“Ok, I’m going to try and be as gentle as I can be, if it hurt you I’m sorry”. Charity places the bolt cutters in between Vanessa hand and the handcuffs, *snap* she manages to break them. Vanessa grabs her wrist straight away and runs it under some cold water. Charity gives the bolt cutters to the member of staff waiting outside, “is she ok?”.

“She’ll be ok, I’ve got some apologising to do. Thanks again”.

Charity cautiously approaches a visibly angry and hurt Vanessa, “Babe you ok?” Charity asks as she carefully holds Vanessa hand to see what the damage to her is, she can see that Vanessa has a small cut on the inside of her wrist. “Here let me clean that up and pop a plaster on it”.

“No its ok, I’ve got this”.

“Ness, I’m cleaning it and sorting it for you. Let me look after you”. She carefully cleans the cut and places a plaster over it, she can tell that Vanessa is mad at her. “I’m sorry I forgot the key, I’m sorry I messed our date up”.

“Trust you to forget the bloody key”, Vanessa said with a smile appearing on her face. “Im not going to let this ruin our date, I think I’m going to have to punish you”.

The word punish excites Charity, she knows that Vanessa has a tough side and can’t wait to see it come out within their sex life. “Yes ma’am, I deserve to be punished”.

Vanessa rips off the robe Charity is wearing and pushes her onto the bed and has her wicked way with her.

Chapter 9.

The day of the big date had arrived and Vanessa was excited but extremely nervous, she had never felt like this before. She had organised a romantic night away at a beautiful spa, a 3 course meal cooked by a Michelin starred chef and endless champagne. Surely even Charity would be impressed by this. Unbeknownst to Vanessa Charity had done some of her own planning for this evening. What could she possibly have planned?

An excited Vanessa texted Charity *Good morning, you need to pack an overnight bag, it must include your finest lingerie. I will come and collect you at 11am, see you in a bit*.

Over at the pub Charity receives the text, “an overnight bag, wonder where she’s taking me” Charity said thinking out loud.

“Chas, I need your help” Charity shouted down the stairs.

“What?”

“Come here a minute”

Chas makes her way upstairs, “what do you want?”

Holding up her sexiest lingerie Charity asks “do you think Vanessa will like these”.

“Charity I do not need to see your collection of sexy underwear”.

“Look tonight’s really important for me I’m planning something so I need to make sure I’m looking my best”, a nervous Charity replied.

“Planning what?”

“I don’t have time to explain, you’ll hear all about it tomorrow”

“Your not proposing are you?” Chas asked.

“No don’t be stupid, which colour, black or red”.

“The black, more sophisticated and less slutty”.

“Thanks babe, appreciate it”.

Charity finishes packing her bag, popping in a few surprises for the weekend away. Now time to pick a kick ass outfit to knock Vanessa’s socks off, she decided to go semi casual with a pair of jeans, a black blouse and her black jacket, along with a pair of boots. Straight hair, nude makeup but with a red lip. She had packed her favourite trouser suit to wear for dinner.

There was a knock at the door, standing there with an envelope was a smiley Vanessa, “you ready for the best date of your life”.

“Well I’ve had a few spectacular dates in the past so no pressure babe”, Charity joked as she leans forward kissing Vanessa on the cheek.

“Here…” Vanessa said handing Charity the envelope.

“What’s this”, Charity said opening the envelope. On the piece of paper was the word *be*, Charity was very confused. “Be, whats that supposed to mean?”

“Just collect the words throughout the day and then piece it together together”.

The pair of them got into Vanessa’s car and set off for the spa. Charity still had no idea where Vanessa was taking her, “so where you taking me then babe?” Charity asked.

“Somewhere I can wine, dine, relax, soak up the atmosphere and spend some quality time with you”, an excited Vanessa said moving her left hand onto Charity’s leg.

Charity moved her hand onto Vanessa’s, “sounds perfect”.

***

Arriving at the spa Charity’s face lit up as she knew this was the best spa for miles, Vanessa had gone to the trouble of organising all of this just for her.

“Babe, this place is incredible”.

“Only the best for our first proper date”, Vanessa said, taking Charity’s hand the pair walked to the reception. When Vanessa took hold of her hand Charity got butterflies in the pit of her stomach, she felt her face start to blush.

“Welcome ladies, as you are our VIP guests today we have some champagne for you to begin with. We have organised a member of staff to take your belongings up to your suite so you can go on a guided tour of the facilities.” The receptionist informed the pair.

“A suite”, Charity said to Vanessa with shocked look on her face.

“Like I said only the best for you”.

The receptionist interrupted, “our we celebrating anything special this evening?”

“Nothing specific no, just some alone time together”, Vanessa replied.

They were taken on their guided tour of the spa’s facilities, they were both blown away with the amount of things they could do and how amazing the spa and hotel was. They were taken up to their suite, the door opened to the most beautiful room, with rose petals scattered all over the bed and in the hot tub bath that was also in the room.

“Wow, there may be plenty to do in the spa but I don’t think I want to leave this room”, a shocked Charity said.

“It’s beautiful isn’t it, what shall we do first then”.

“First you need to come here so I can kiss you for organising this amazing suite”.

“Don’t have to ask me twice”.

Vanessa makes her way over to Charity grabs her around the waist, pulls her in close and kisses her passionately. “Can I tempt you in a hot bubble bath?” Vanessa temptingly asked Charity.

“You go run the bath, I’ll pour the champagne”.

Over by the bottle of champagne was another envelope, Charity opened it, this piece of paper had the word *you* on it. She was just as confused as the previous word. She poured the champagne and made her way to the bathroom, she opened the door to find candles lit and Vanessa in the bubble bath waiting for her. Charity placed the glasses on the side while she slipped her clothes off and joined Vanessa in the bath.

“Give us a back rub then babe”, Charity asked.

“I’ll give you one if you return the favour”

“Deal”, Charity said as she put bubbles on the tip of Vanessa’s nose and blew them off.

They both gave one another back rubs, once they had finished Charity decided that she just wanted to lie there in the hot water with the candles flickering wrapped up in the arms of the woman she was falling for.

***

While Vanessa was getting changed ready for their meal, Charity was slyly trying to get her surprise ready.

“Babe what you going to wear tonight?” Charity asked trying to stall Vanessa.

“Think I’m going for my black dress, got to make an effort don’t I . What about you?”

“I’ve got my favourite trouser suit, it’s the one you love”. As Charity stepped out of the bathroom she saw Vanessa in her black dress for the first time, “wow, you look absolutely beautiful. Are you sure we have go for dinner and we can’t just stay here so I can rip your clothes off”.

A blushing Vanessa replied, “you don’t look bad yourself, the sooner we go to dinner then sooner we will be back here. Lets go”. Reaching out for Charity’s hand the pair walk to dinner.

Walking in to the restaurant they were blown away with how beautiful the surroundings were, they were taken to a secluded table near the balcony. It was dark in the restaurant, the table lit by candles. “How beautiful is this” Vanessa stated.

“It’s incredible, I cant believe how well you’ve done so far with this date”.

“Did you not trust me?”

“Of course i did, I just didn’t expect this”.

They couldn’t take their eyes off one another, finishing their main courses Charity popped to the restroom to freshen up. While she was away from the table, Vanessa put the next envelope on Charity’s seat so she would see it before sitting back down. Charity returned to the table to see the envelope on her chair, she opened it to find the word *you*.

A confused Charity said “I still have no idea what the final sentence is going to say, I never was very good at puzzles”.

“It won’t be long until you’ll be able to work it out”

“I know the date isn’t over but I just wanted to say this truly had been the best date I’ve ever been on, the food was amazing, the company has been even better.” Taking a deep breath in Charity had something she needed to say, “so I’ve been waiting for the right moment to ask you something, I think that time is now.”

Vanessa had absolutely no idea what Charity was about to ask, she was nervous but extremely excited at the same time. What could Charity be about to ask…

Chapter 8:

A couple of days had past in the Village and Vanessa was hard at work, getting ready to perform surgery on a poorly dog. Rhona was in as well helping her with the surgery, which was good as Vanessa needed her help.

“Rhona, What can I organise for mine and Charity’s first official date?”

“Ooooh, that’s a good question. What sort of date are you looking for? Dinner? Drinks? Some sort of activity?”

“I want to do something that she will always remember”, Vanessa replied.

“How about a night away somewhere?”

“Yeah, we could do I guess. Why is this so difficult”, Vanessa said laughing. “I honestly feel like I’m back in school trying to impress my crush”.

“Well you’ve already impressed her, just go have some fun and don’t put too much pressure on the date. Why don’t you have a word with someone that knows Charity better than I do? Chas or even Debbie.”

“Well Debbie wants to talk to me anyway, which is a bit scary. She wants to get to know me apparently”.

“Have fun with that one, that girl scares me a little and I’m old enough to be her mother”.

“She scares me too”, Vanessa replied.

***

After Vanessa had successfully finished the surgery she decided it was time to go visit Debbie and get this chat over with. Why was she so nervous? She was only going to talk to someone, I mean how bad could it be? Walking into the pub she is spotted immediately by Charity, “oh hey babe, I didn’t know you were coming to see me”.

“Hey, I’m actually not here to see you. Is Debbie around?”

“Ooh your here for the chat. Nervous?” Charity teased.

“Stop it, I’m bricking it”.

“Babe don’t be, she only wants to get to know you. Well I think that’s all she wants”.

Giving Charity a very disapproving look, Vanessa heads to the back to find Debbie.

“Good luck”, Charity shouts as Vanessa disappears into the back.

*knock knock*

“Hey, is this a good time to talk?”, Vanessa asked.

“Sure, come on in. Can I get you a drink?”

“I’d love a tea, thanks”.

“Coming up. I need to apologise for the other night, I was rude. It’s nothing against you, I just wish she would tell me things first”.

“I totally understand, it must be strange seeing your mum with a woman”

“No not at all, I mean it was very much out of the blue but it doesn’t bother me that you are a woman. I just hate being the last to know everything”.

“I will try and make sure she tells you anything important first from now on”.

“So are the two of you serious?” Debbie questioned.

“I mean we’re not ‘girlfriends’ officially yet but I care about your mum very much and I’d like to be official official but your mum doesn’t like labels”.

“Yeah she usually messes things up when things get serious. One piece of advice I can give you… don’t let her pull all the strings, give back as good as you get”.

“Don’t worry, I won’t let her walk all over me. I’m too old to be playing games”.

“That’s good then, should keep mum on her toes”.

***

Back in the bar Charity began to wonder what was taking Vanessa and Debbie so long, maybe Debbie did want to grill her. She couldn’t understand what Debs could possibly want to know.

“Chas, go pop your head around the door and see what’s going on in there”.

“And what precisely would be my reason for going in there?”

“I dunno, make something up”.

“I’m sure everything will be fine, I mean they haven’t been in there that long have they?”

“Long enough for Debs to put Vanessa off me”.

“True, that wouldn’t take her long to be honest”, Chas replied.

“Surely Debs just wants me to be happy”.

“Of course she does”.

This helped to put Charity’s mind at rest for a few minutes while she waited for Vanessa to come back through to the pub.

***

The conversation seemed to be going really well Debbie could tell by the way Vanessa was talking about Charity that her feelings were genuine.

“I’ve got a question to ask, so we haven’t been on a proper date yet and I’d really like to do something special but I have no idea what to do. Any ideas?”

“Umm.. maybe something away from the village? It’s tough she’s so hard to please!”

“This is true, I have an idea in my head I think I’ll just run with it. I should probably head back to work, Paddy will be wondering where I’ve got to”.

“One last thing, I’d like you to get to know Sarah and Jack especially if you and mum are serious. With all her other relationships they’ve always been left in the dark, I don’t want that. I want them to see her happy.”

“I’d love to get to know them, they seem like great kids”, Vanessa said as she walked back through to the bar.

Charity with her eyes fixed on the door leaped up as soon as she saw Vanessa, “babe you were in there for ages, everything ok? What did she say?”

“I sense some nervousness in your voice!” Vanessa teased. “She just wanted to know how I felt, whether we were serious, whether I had what it takes to tame you”.

“And.. what did you say?”

“That is for me to know and you to find out” teased Vanessa as she kissed Charity goodbye as she needed to get back to work. “Don’t work too hard”

“Oi, you cant leave me without any information… Ness…” Charity said loudly as Vanessa disappeared out of the door.

Charity hated the fact that she had no idea what had been said, she hated when she wasn’t in control. She also knew that with Vanessa she wasn’t going to have that control all the time. “Debbie, come on then fill me in”, Charity asked with a real sense of urgency.

“Who says I’m going to tell you?”

“Don’t you start, I got nothing out of Vanessa. What’s the deal?”

“If I tell you, you cant say anything…”

“Ok, I promise”

“If she had it her way you two would be ‘girlfriends’ yes she’s happy that you are both giving it a go but she would like it official official. She’s also going to make sure you talk to me before telling the whole village, she wants to get to know the kids and wants to take you on a proper date. So make sure you go along with whatever she decides to do… ok?”

“She wants to be my girlfriend? Debs that word scares me”

“Grow up , its just a word. Look life is too short to wonder what if, if you want to be her girlfriend just go for it. Stop acting like a two year old and make things official before it’s too late”.

“Yes mum”, Charity joked.

***

A very chirpy Vanessa arrived back at the vets with a spring in her step, she was happy that the chat with Debbie had gone well.

“Someone seems happy, I take it the chat went well?” Rhona asked.

“It went really well, she wants me to get to know her kids. She wants me to make sure I don’t let Charity walk all over me but she also just wants us to be happy”.

“That’s good, ah I’m glad it went well, did she help you with the date”.

“Not really but I think I’m just going to go with my gut instinct.”

“I’m sure she will love it no matter what”.

“Fingers crossed”, Vanessa said with a smile on her face. She was getting all excited at the thought of spending some quality time with Charity.