#chas dingle

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 7

Heading back over to everyone with a round of drinks, Charity can’t keep the smile off her face. “Here we go everyone, don’t say I never treat you all”, Charity sarcastically says.

“I could get used to this treatment”, Frank said.

“Oh babe this is a one night only deal, don’t go getting used to it”, Charity said passing Frank his pint.

After she had finished giving everyone their free drink she sat down besides Vanessa, placing her hand on Vanessa’s leg. “Happy babe?”, Charity asked.

“Very”, replied Vanessa, who placed her hand on top of Charity’s hand. “So when you going to let me take you on our first date?”.

“Like a proper date?”

“Yeah, i mean we kind of skipped the whole first date part and went straight to the sexy part. I mean I’m not complaining but dating can be fun and I want to see you all dressed up”.

“Thought you preferred me without my clothes on”, Charity said winking at Vanessa.

“Well there is that, but I’m going to organise a proper date and you have to promise to go along with everything”.

“Oh god really? Ok but nothing too mushy, ive done all my mushy stuff for a while”.

“Deal”.

Over the other side of the table Paddy and Rhona were admiring the two of them, “do you think that little speech was real?”, Paddy quietly asked Rhona.

“I genuinely think she meant every word. I mean look at them Paddy, have you ever seen Vanessa this happy? All the years you’ve known Charity have you ever seen her this smitten?” Rhona responded.

“I guess your right, I’ve never seen Charity like this which scares me slightly as we don’t know what her next move will be”.

“Lets give her our support and hopefully all will be perfect”.

Everyone was getting along swimmingly, conversations were flowing and the mood was one of pure happiness.

In walked Debbie, spotting the little family gathering in the corner she wondered why she hadn’t been invited or involved in it, “this looks very cosy, what have I missed”.

Chas replied, “oh nothing much, just your mother getting all mushy and protective over her relationship with Vanessa”.

“Relationship?”, Debbie questioned.

Charity smile slowly disappeared as she knew Debbie would be mad at her for not telling her what was going on. “Yeah, me and Vanessa are giving things a go”.

“Sounds about right, always the last one to know anything that happens in your life mother”, Debbie said with a look of sadness on her face. “Congratulations”, she mumbled walking off into the back.

“Debs wait”, Charity responded.

“Oh leave her, she’s just moaning because your in a relationship and she’s not”, said Chas.

“I better go sort this, sorry. I won’t be long and then we can get out of here”, Charity told Vanessa.

***

Charity makes her way into the back to find an angry Debbie, “What was that all about?”, Charity asked.

“So you’re a lesbian now?”

“Why should that even matter debs?”

“Well it doesn’t, i know it doesn’t. I’m just angry that yet again I’m last to find out what’s going on in your life”.

“I’m sorry, it’s not like I did it on purpose. Normally when I talk to you about my love life you either take the piss or walk away because I bore you”.

“That’s not fair, I want to know what’s going on. Especially if they are going to be around the kids, I mean I barely know Vanessa”.

“That’s fair, i should have told you and from now on I will I promise.”

“So what’s the deal then, you an item?”

“I guess you could say that yeah, we’re giving it a go to see what happens. Debs I’ve not felt like this in such a long time, I feel like a teenager again.”

“Well that’s good, just don’t screw it up”

“Why does everyone keep saying that? I won’t I genuinely really like her”.

“Good, I want to get to know her. I want the kids to get to know her, especially if she’s going to be hanging round”.

“Ok, we can sort that, just promise me you’ll be nice”.

“I promise”.

“Right well I’m going to go back and join everyone, but I will sort a time where you and Vanessa can sit down and have a chat”.

A relieved Charity headed back to the table, as she walked back into the pub she looked up to see everyone bar Vanessa had left. “Where did they all go?”

“They’ve all got early starts tomorrow, they said thank you again for the free drinks and told me that they will support us 100%”, Vanessa answered.

“Ah that’s fair enough, I’m glad I’ve got them on my side even if it is just for now.”

“Everything ok with Debbie?”

“Yeah… she’s just being Debbie. Moody with me because I hadn’t told her we were an item. It’s not that I didn’t want to, I just had more important things to do, like get everyone on my side”.

“Phew, I thought it was because she didn’t like me”.

“No babe, she actually would like to have a sit down with you and get to know you a bit more”

“Really?”

“Yeah, don’t be scared. Take it as a compliment that she thinks it’s worth taking the time to get to know you”.

“Sounds good to me”.

“Right lets get out of here… your place or mine?” Charity asked.

“Well as there is no one at mine, we can make as much noise as we like”, vanessa said winking at Charity.

“Yours it is then”.

Gathering their things the pair rush back to Tug Ghyll as they can’t wait to rip each other’s clothes off. As soon as they stepped foot inside the house, boots were flung off in one direction, coats in another. The pair really couldn’t keep their hands off each other, kissing passionately whilst trying to tackle walking up the stairs and taking their shirts off. Vanessa the one walking backwards up the stairs almost trips near the top, but Charity manages to grab her in time pulling her in close, “gotcha”.

They finally make it to the bedroom, both injury free. They stood their still attached by their locking lips, Charity pops the button on Vanessa’s jeans, unzips them and slides them off her. She throws them on the floor as she makes her way back up her body, kissing her once more. Reaching around the back of Vanessa, Charity tries to be smooth by attempting to undo Vanessa bra with one hand while the other slid down her back to grab onto her bum. Unfortunately she failed and ended up snapping the bra clasp against Vanessa’s back, “ouch, what did you do that for! I thought you were good at this”.

“Sorry, I usually am. I think it’s stuck”, said an embarrassed Charity as she now attempted to undo it using both her hands.

For the moment the romantic ambience had disappeared but Charity was determined to get it back. “Babe turn round quickly so I can get this bloody thing off”, Charity said as Vanessa turned round to make it easier for a struggling Charity.

“Finally”, sighed Vanessa.

“Right where were we”, Charity said as she placed one hand on the back of Vanessa’s head pulling her closer in order to passionately kiss her. As things started to heat up again, Vanessa seemed to have perfected taking off Charity’s bra. “That’s how you do it babe”, she whispered into her ear, gently biting it as she moved down her neck making her way back to Charity’s lips.

Vanessa pushes Charity onto the bed so that she could take off those suit trousers Charity loved so much. As Charity lay there in anticipation for what’s to come, Vanessa using a voice of authority says “don’t you move a muscle! Tonight Miss Dingle it’s my turn to rock your world”. Charity’s heart rate began to rise as Vanessa takes control, with blood pumping around her body, charity’s breathing becomes heavier and louder. “Oh babe”, she moaned as Vanessa continued to have her way with her. “Right there”, Charity screamed as Vanessa continued to show off the skills she had learnt over the past few months.

“WOW”, Charity said attempting to get her breath back.

“I’m improving then”, Vanessa asked.

“Babe that was amazing”.

“Good”, Vanessa said with a huge grin on her face.

Vanessa made her way over to where Charity was led, wrapping her arms around her and cuddling in tightly. “Tonight I’m being big spoon”, Vanessa joked as they both get ready to fall asleep.

“Night babe”, Charity said.

“Night” Vanessa replied kissing Charity on her back.

Chapter 3:

Vanessa puts on her sexy yellow knitted jumper ready to head over to the pub to do her best to distract Charity from doing any work, not that that will be difficult. As well as the jumper she has put on her super tight skinny jeans, her black heeled boots, straightened her hair and is trying out a new shade of lipstick “rose” lipstick.

Over at the Woolpack Charity who has also made an extra effort with her appearance tonight, has her favourite black blouse on along with her grey trouser suit, keeps checking the door every 2 seconds waiting for Vanessa to appear.

“Expecting someone?” Chas questioned, “only you haven’t taken your eyes off that door all night!”

“Not that its any of your business, but i am expecting Vanessa to appear at some point”, a blushing Charity answered.

“I spy with my little eye someone who may be falling for a certain Vanessa”.

Before Charity could tell Chas to fly to the moon, in walked Vanessa holding a bunch of flowers. Pushing Chas out of the way, Charity walks towards Vanessa with a huge smile on her face. Eyes lit up at the sight of both the beautiful flowers and Vanessa, “you shouldn’t have babe”.

“Oh no, these aren’t for you, they’re from Paddy for Chas”, Vanessa replied.

Chas barges past a disappointed Charity and collects the flowers, “oh Paddy Kirk i do love you, Thanks Vanessa”.

“No worries, he couldn’t make it this evening so wanted me to give you these to say sorry”. Vanessa explained, “ill have a pint when your ready Charity”.

Trying to wipe the disappointment off her face, Charity replies “sure thing babe ill bring it over”.

As Chas walks past she whispered into Charity’s ear, “Flowers are normally a thing couples do, you sure your not wanting more from Vanessa”.

Things suddenly dawned on her, maybe she did want more than she first thought. Did she want things to be official? Did she want a girlfriend, a partner to take care of and spoil?

Trying to get rid of the worry and panic written all over her face, Charity takes the pint over to Vanessa. “Here you go babe, sorry for the wait! As you can see we are rushed off our feet”.

“The sight of you in that suit is always worth the wait”, Vanessa replied with the cheekiest grin on her face.

“Flattery will you get you everywhere Miss Woodfield. I see you wore my favourite jumper”.

“Well I couldn’t have you eyeing up anyone else in the pub could i?”

“That’s how i get my tips?” A sarcastic Charity responded, “anyway best get back to it”.
***
“Chas a word…”

“Yes Boss”

“What you said earlier about me falling for Vanessa, i think you’re right and I’m freaking out”.

“Breathe, just calm down. ive never seen you like this before, anytime she enters the room you light up, a massive grin appears on your face and your eyes glow.”

“I know, my heart races anytime she’s near me, i feel like a teenager again and its freaking me out”.

“Talk to her, explain how you feel.”

“I cant! I’m no good for her. If we become official i will go into self destruct mode and ill ruin everything like i do all the time. I cant have her hate me.”

“Right, stop all of this. Yes your past hasn’t exactly been great but I’ve seen a change in you and it’s a good change. Just tell her”.

“Ok, I’ll do it. Cover for me I need to go to the shop”.

“You’ve got 10 minutes, if Vanessa asks ill tell her Moses needed you”.
***
Charity rushes over to the shop before it closes, “Tracy i need your help”, Charity shouted across the shop.

“Hello Tracy nice to see you, how are you?”, Tracy sarcastically mumbled.

“Sorry, I don’t have time for niceties, Vanessa what’s her favourite flower”.

“Flowers? That’s rather nice of you, what have you done wrong?” Tracy asked.

“Nothing, why would i have done anything wrong”.

“Charity Dingle buying my sister flowers, its just something i never thought I’d see”.

“Well I’m trying to be a nicer person aren’t i!”.

Tracy hands Charity a beautiful bouquet of red roses, “these are her favourites, i know a rose is quite romantic but we don’t have much left tonight”.

“Ill take them, Chocolates? Or is that too much?”

“Stick to the flowers”.

“Ok, thanks. I appreciate your help”.

“Good luck”.
***
Rushing back to the pub, Charity enters through the back making sure Vanessa didn’t spot her or the flowers.

“Psst.. Chas” Charity whispered.

“Wow, red roses how romantic”.

“Shut it, is the pub still heaving?”

“Yeah… you’re going to have an audience”.

Charity knew that as soon as she walked out into the pub with the flowers, everyone’s attention will turn to her as she’s known for not expressing feelings. Taking a deep breath in Charity heads out of the back into the pub, Immediately she is noticed. Vanessa yet to clock that charity is heading towards her with a bunch of flowers, has her head buried in her phone. With the chatter in the pub increasing, Vanessa lifts her head to see Charity stood there with a bunch of red roses, with her jaw dropping to the floor Vanessa asked “are they for me?”

“Yep, i thought you deserved some flowers and well Tracy said they were your favourites”

“They are beautiful! Thank you” said a smiley Vanessa as she lifted the roses to her nose to smell them. “What’s the special occasion then…”

“Chas said something to me earlier which go me thinking a lot about things. You know I’m not one for expressing feelings, but i have realised that you make me smile a lot and thats not happened to me for a very long time.” Charity said checking over her shoulder to see who else was listening. “I don’t want to label what we have because as soon as i do that i will end up doing something stupid. I want to be the best person i can be for my family and you make me a better person”.

“Are you asking me to be your girlfriend?”

“Well not exactly, because i hate the labels but i am asking you if you want to be with me?”.

“Yes”

“Really?”.

“Yes, i want to be with you. Neither of us are perfect and we are bound to make mistakes and fall out and probably annoy each other but we can make each other happy. I want to make you happy”.

“Come here you”, Charity said as she grabbed Vanessa’s face and kissed it passionately.

As the pair kiss, wolf whistles and cheering sound around the pub. “Right now all that mushy stuff is over can you come and help serve, as you can see we are rather busy tonight”, Chas said.

A smitten Charity responds “yeah, Im coming. Another pint babe?”

Vanessa stuck for words just smiles and nods, she can’t quite believe what has just happened.

“I got a bit teary eyed watching you declare your love for Vanessa”, Chas teased.

“We’re not in love, we are together yes but we are taking things slow”.

“I’m very happy for you”.
***
Rhona and Pete walked into the pub to see Vanessa sat there with a gorgeous bunch of flowers. “Oooooh who are those from?”, Rhona asked.

“Who do you think?”

“Charity the queen of ‘we’re not a thing’ Dingle?”

“Yep, well we technically are a thing now just not with the ‘girlfriend’ label”.

“And this is what you want yeah?”

“I know you are scared she is going to hurt me, but she makes me happy. I haven’t been truly happy since johnny was born, I deserve this and well if it goes wrong at least I had some fun”.

“Go for it, I think you make a great couple”, Pete added.

“I agree, just be careful ok?” Rhona said with a slight ounce of worry in her voice.

“Thanks guys, I’ll be careful I promise”.

Pete pops to the bar to get a round of drinks in, “3 pints please Charity, ill make it 4 if you can come over and join us?”

“I don’t want to intrude though?”, Charity said with a sense of nervousness to her voice.

“Intrude? your part of the group now, so come join us”.

Both of them walked over to where Rhona and Vanessa were sitting, put the drinks down on the table and sat next to their significant others. It felt very much like a double date, Charity was a little apprehensive as she knew Rhona wasn’t her biggest fan. Knowing she had to try and make a good impression Charity decided to take an interest in Pete and Rhona’s relationship, “so you two make a really cute couple”.

“Thank you, we are taking things slow but we are both very happy at the moment”.

“I’m really glad to hear that, you deserve happiness Rhona, you really really do”, Charity responded. As those words came out of Charity’s mouth Vanessa reached for her hand and squeezed it tight, she was proud of her girl for being so nice to her best friend.

“What about you two? You seem very happy!”, Rhona asked.

Looking at each other Vanessa and Charity both smiled and responded “we are, were very happy”.

Charity then added, “why don’t we head out for dinner one day next week and have some fun?”

“We would love to”, responded a shocked Rhona.

“Perfect, looking forward to it. Right guys, were going to love you and leave you as I have a free house tonight as Johnny is with me dad so were going to make the most of it”.

“Too much information”, Rhona replied. “Ill see you tomorrow, have fun ladies”.

The pair left the pub hand in hand with the largest smiles on their faces.

Over at Home farm, there was a quiet knock at the door, Graham opens the door to see Noah standing there. “Noah i thought your mother didn’t want you coming up here?”

A voice from the kitchen interrupted, “Oh never mind that Graham, he’s here now and ready for me to teach him to play poker”.

“I don’t think this is a good idea”, Graham murmured from across the room. “Charity made it very clear she didn’t want you seeing him”.

“I’m not here to play, i want you to tell me about my father”, a tentative noah said.

“Here’s the thing little brother, I don’t really remember that much about him. I know that he was a good man who loved to make money and live the good life”.

“Mum said he sent you away to boarding school so you weren’t in the way? Is that true?” Noah asked.

Joe’s expression changes, a slight look of anger mixed with sadness covered his face. “It wasn’t to get me out the way, when dad had his accident life became more difficult for him, me being here all the time didn’t help.”

“So it wasn’t my mums fault that you went to boarding school?” Noah asked.

“No, i was already at boarding school but it is her fault my father died”, an angry Joe stated.

“Now is not the time for this Joe, Noah come with me I’ll take you home”, Graham said trying to calm the situation down.

“How is it her fault? What did she do.” Noah replied with a quiver to his voice trying not to get upset.

“She poisoned him, all she ever wanted was his money. She killed our father Noah”, Joe shouted.

Noah physically started to shake, fighting back the tears he ran out of home farm. Graham chased after him, “Noah wait, I’ll give you a lift”.

****

Meanwhile over at the Pub Charity and Vanessa were having a catch up over a drink and a bite to eat.

“What can i get you two love birds?”, asked a smiling chas.

“Oh shut it chas, and get us a couple of pints”, an embarrassed Charity replied.

Over at a quiet table in the corner of the pub the ladies were filling each other in with what’s been happening in their lives. Charity jokingly asked “so babe where you taking me on our next date…”. Before being able to finish her sentence the pair were interrupted by a devastated Noah rushing into the pub. A worried Charity shouts “Noah babe, why aren’t you at school?”

“Just leave me alone”, Noah replied with tears streaming down his face.

Charity’s face drops, her smile disappears, worry starts to set in. A concerned Vanessa does her best to encourage charity to go comfort him, but she knows what she’s like. “Go after him, go see if he’s ok! I can wait, he’s more important right now”, Vanessa said in a calming manner.

Agreeing, Charity leans forward towards Vanessa kissing her gently on the lips. She whispered “thank you” as she got up and made her way into the back.

****

Charity rushes through to the back room, composing herself she asked, “Noah babe what’s happened?”

“Like you don’t know”.

“Know what babe? I cant help if I don’t know what’s wrong”.

“My dad, it was you that killed him? You wanted his money so you poisoned him”. An angry Noah shouted.

“This is all Joe isn’t it? What did i tell you about spending time with him? He is toxic, he messed with Debbie’s head and now he is trying to mess with yours”. She started to pace around the room, not knowing what to say or do, breathing increasing with every footstep. “I loved your father, yes we had our bad times, but show me a couple who doesn’t. He died in my arms Noah and there was nothing i could do to save him, i was devastated when he died”. As the tears filled up her eyes and the sadness crept into her voice she mumbled, “I have done some pretty messed up things in my life, but i promise you with my whole heart I didn’t kill your dad”.

“Why would he lie to me?”, questioned Noah.

“Because he is messing with you to get back to me… surely you can see that, even you cant be that stupid”, an angry charity shouted.

Noah picked up his bag and stormed out the room slamming the door behind him. He rushes past a worried Vanessa, “Noah, everything ok? Noah.. wait”. Ignoring everybody in sight he runs out of the pub.

Worried about what’s just happened, Vanessa tracks down an angry Charity. “What’s happened?’ She said calmly, reaching to hold onto charity’s hand.

“That little weasel has brainwashed Noah into believing that i killed his dad.”

“What? Surely he didn’t believe him. I mean you had nothing to do with him dying… did you?”

“VANESSA, did you honestly just ask me that? I thought you of all people would believe me and know I wouldn’t do that?” Questioned Charity as she moved her hand from underneath Vanessa’s.

“Umm.. of course i know you wouldn’t” mumbled Vanessa.

“You know what just leave.. go on GET OUT”. A visibly upset Charity shrieked.

With her heart racing, Vanessa gathers her thoughts and reluctantly leaves, as she moves towards the door she whispers, “im sorry”.

*****

Whilst walking home, Vanessa spots an upset Noah in the distance. Not wanting to make a scene she quietly makes her way over to where he is sat and sits down beside him. She reaches into her handbag searching for a tissue, she pulls one out of the packet and hands it to Noah, “here, take this”.

Wiping away his tears, he snuffles “thank you”.

“Everything ok?” Vanessa asked in a calming manner.

“All i wanted was to get to know my brother, yet my family hate him and i just don’t know who to believe anymore”.

“Things are complicated between your family and Joe. Joe blames your mum for things she didn’t do, and because he blames her he’s done some really nasty to things to your family”.

“Why is he saying mum killed dad”.

“I really don’t know, maybe he is trying to find someone to blame. But the truth is your dad was a very ill man and he tried to frame your mum for his murder because Charity was seeing Cain behind his back”. Expressed a concerned Vanessa.

“So because mum was cheating on him, he tried to make it look like she killed him”.

“Yeah, i know your mum can be a nightmare sometimes. Even i have experienced first hand what your mum can be like. But she would do anything for you, to protect you and she loves you with her whole heart”.

Noah replied, “I know she loves me but sometimes i just wished she didn’t always have a go”.

A smiling Vanessa explained, “That’s our job, we nag, we moan when your bedroom isn’t clean or when you spend too much time playing video games, but we do it because we care.”

“I guess so”.

“How about we go and get a milkshake and a cake and figure out what you want to say to your mum”.

With a smile creeping back onto Noah’s face, he nods in agreement, wipes his eyes one last time and the pair make their way to the cafe.

*****

Back over at the Woolpack Chas has poured Charity a large glass of wine hoping it will calm her down. Pacing back and fourth Charity is losing her mind worrying where Noah is, “i should be out there looking for him”.

“If you go in this state you will end up saying something else you regret”, Chas replied.

“Well i cant just sit her waiting can i?”, Charity responded.

“Look you’ve already upset two people today, just sit there and drink your wine and i will go find him. Marlon can cope for 20 minutes on his own”.

“Thanks Chas”.

Before Chas even had the chance to leave the room, Vanessa entered the room with Noah in toe. “Noah, where have you been? Ive been worried sick, i called you a million times”, said a frantic Charity.

“I went for a walk, then we went for a milkshake”.

“Look I’m so sorry for shouting at you and for calling you stupid. Because you are anything but stupid, you are the smartest boy i know”. Charity expressed as she walked over to embrace Noah.

“I’m sorry for saying you killed dad, i know your not capable of doing anything like that”. Noah replied squeezing his mum tightly.

“I best be going, Noah if you ever want another milkshake you know where i am ok? Ill see you soon”, Vanessa said from the other side of the room.

Before Charity could respond or even look at vanessa, she was gone. She knew by the tone of Vanessa’s voice she was upset and hurt by what was said to her earlier.

“Mum you can let go of me now”, said Noah who was struggling to breathe due to charity squeezing him so tight.

“Sorry babe, I just don’t ever want to lose you, you are too important to me”.

“I’m not going anywhere, but you are! Go after Vanessa mum, you need to apologise to her for whatever you have done. I like her, she nice and well she got me cake as well as a milkshake”.

“When did you grow up so much?”

****
Realising she had messed up big time with Vanessa, Charity knew she had to take Noah’s advice and go sort things. Taking the short walk from the pub to Tug Ghyll, taking a deep breath in she knocked on the door. Vanessa opened the door to a nervous looking Charity, “Hey babe, I’ve got some apologising to do”.

A hesitant Vanessa invites her in, “come on in”.

“Firstly i need to thank you for looking after my boy, he really likes you you know?”

“Well he’s a great kid, all he wanted was to hear the truth” Vanessa stated.

“I know and i should have told him a long time ago i just wanted to protect him from it all. I also owe you a massive apology, i should never have spoken to you the way i did, even being angry. It was no excuse and i will do my best to make sure it never happens again”.

“I accept your apology, i should never have doubted you and for that i am sorry. I didn’t know the Charity back then, i hear she was a bit of a wild one, but the Charity i know now would never be capable of anything like that”.

“So were good? Because Noah and I would like to invite you over for dinner tonight, he told me I wasn’t allowed to take no as an answer”.

“I would love to”, Vanessa replied with a smile the width of her face.

Grabbing Vanessa’s hand, she leads her to the door and the pair make their way to the pub for dinner.

Chapter 22

Still in shock from the three words Charity just said, Vanessa was stood there with her mouth wide open.

“Yes I said I love you. Should I not have said that? Is it too early? Oh god I’ve messed things up haven’t I?” Charity replied panicking.

“No, no it’s not too early. I’ve been wanting to say it ever since you helped me with Johnny. In my mind that night cemented how I feel about you and I’ve wanted to say it but have been too scared”.

“Scared?”

“You don’t do feelings? And I didn’t want to mess up the good thing we have going!”

“So you love me too?”

“Yes, I love you Charity Dingle”.

“Come here…” Charity replied grabbing Vanessa round the waist and pulling her in kissing her passionately.

“Steady, your son is in the room!”.

“My god if he wasn’t I would rip your clothes off right here right now”.

“Shall we go try and find somewhere private?”

“Yes, you don’t have to ask me twice. Noah we will be right back”.

The giddy pair made their way out of Noah’s room in search of somewhere private to enjoy some alone time. The only place they could find was a store cupboard, “what about in there?” Charity said.

“We cant do it in a cupboard?”

“Why not? We won’t be long, plus those clothes need to come off”.

Biting her lip in anticipation Vanessa decided to just go with the flow, the pair slyly entered the cupboard making sure nobody saw them.

“It’s a bit cramped in here”, Vanessa said.

“Shhhhh”, Charity replied pushing her finger up against Vanessa’s lips. “Enough talking”.

Pinning Vanessa up against the wall she unbuttons her jeans, sliding her hand down into Vanessa’s knickers. As Charity began pleasuring Vanessa, Vanessa’s moaning grew and grew in volume. “Shhhh or someone will hear us”, Charity said. Charity decided she needed to be quick about things so skipped the rest of the foreplay and went straight into slipping in a digit or two. Movement getting quicker and quicker, their kissing become more passionate by the second, Vanessa almost reaching climax when in burst a nurse looking to get some supplies, “Oh my… Umm I don’t think you guys should be in here”.

The pair stood there, Vanessa with no top on and Charity with her hand down Vanessa’s trousers.

“I’ll let you guys get dressed”, the nurse said to the embarrassed pair.

A blushing Vanessa reached for her shirt which was hanging on one of the shelves, “I can’t believe we just got caught having sex in a cupboard”.

Trying to control her laughter Charity zipped up Vanessa’s trousers, “I wonder if she copped an eye full? Lucky girl!”.

“Charity this isn’t funny…I was about to.. well you know! Imagine she’d walked in a minute later”.

“You were about to come, you can say it out loud! I’m sorry babe” Charity said trying to control her laughter, “but it is funny.”

Fixing their appearance to avoid anymore embarrassment the pair left the cupboard, Vanessa trying to swerve making any eye contact with the nurse that found them. Vanessa felt like a naughty school girl who had been found kissing behind the back of the bike sheds whereas Charity walked out like she had just won the lottery. As Charity walked past the nurse she gave her a cheeky wink.

“Stop it”, Vanessa said slapping Charity on the back in a playful manner.

“What? She loved it! So where we going to find to finish off what we started?”

“We’re not. I’m not risking being caught again… we will have to wait until we are back home”.

“I can’t wait that long”, Charity joked as the pair walked hand in hand back to Noah’s room.

***

Meanwhile back over at the Wool pack a distraught Debbie returns home from her visit with Noah.

“Debbie, what’s wrong? Is it Noah? Is he ok?” Chas asked.

“No change, mum hates me!”

“You’ve got to give her time, she’ll come around eventually!”

“Not this time, you didn’t see the look in her eyes”.

“Can you blame her though Debs? I know we all make stupid mistakes but even for you this was a step too far”.

“Do you think Dad will have a word?”

“I don’t know what good he will do, he can’t fight your battles for you, You are a grown adult with 2 children. Just stay out of her way and give her time, she loves you and always will but at the moment she can’t stand the sight of you”, Chas said telling Debbie a few home truths.

“I’m gunna go for a walk”, Debbie replied.

Chas could see that she was upset by the whole situation and what she had heard but Debbie had got used to getting away with everything. It was about time she grew up and took responsibility for her actions. “I’ll look after your children then shall I?”, Chas replied in a sarcastic tone.

Debbie didn’t respond she just walked out the room taking her keys with her.

“Bloody typical, it’s fine I’ll look after 3 kids as well as run a pub single handedly”, Chas said to what she thought was an empty room, but Paddy had heard it all.

“I hear your looking for a babysitter?” Paddy said looking at Chas lovingly.

“Ohh Paddy Kirk, I do love you”.

“I love you more! What’s Debbie done now?”

“Something really stupid”

“Like…”

“Like tampering with Joe’s breaks!”

“You’re joking right?”, Paddy said with disbelief written all over his face.

“I wish I was Paddy I wish I was”.

“Ok, so I’m going to pretend I never heard that”

“It’s for the best”, Chas replied kissing him on the head.

“So I’ll be on babysitting duties while you run the bar”.

“Deal, Thank you”. As Chas left the room she looked back and smiled at her man, she knew she got so lucky when they became a couple, she truly did love him with her whole heart. Before heading back to the bar she felt like she had to let Cain know that Debbie had gone awol yet again leaving her kids.

*”Cain, only me. Just wanted to let you know that Debbie went to see Noah and well it didn’t go well. Charity wants nothing to do with her and Debs hasn’t taken it well. She’s gone awol again leaving the kids with me and Paddy. You’ve gotta sort her out before she does something stupid again for the millionth time in her life.”*

***

Arriving back at Noah’s hospital room Charity was still laughing about what had happened to the pair of them, while Vanessa was trying to ignore her.

“Noah babe we’re back! You’ll never guess what happened.”

“Uhhh what you doing?” Vanessa said stopping Charity from blurting out what just happened to them.

“Telling my boy the fun we just got up to!”

“No you’re not. You don’t tell anyone about that!”

“Spoil sport! It’s getting late shall we try and get comfortable on these awful chairs”, Charity said hoping Vanessa would stay again with her.

“I’m going to go…”

“You’re going?” A disappointed Charity said.

“If you’d let me finish I was about to say go and see if I can find someone to ask if they have a bed we could use”.

“For a minute there I thought you were off home”.

“I’m not leaving you, don’t worry! I’ll be back in a few minutes, hopefully with a bed”, Vanessa replied.

“You’d be so proud of me Noah babe, I finally plucked up the courage to tell Vanessa that I loved her. I know you like her and well she’s good for me, when you’re better we’re gunna do things together as a little family, even go on holiday somewhere, anywhere you want. We just need you to wake up now babe”. Charity said taking the hand of her boy.

“I’m back and guess whose getting a bed tonight?” Vanessa excitedly said.

“Really? We can snuggle up we might actually manage to get a few hours sleep tonight!”

“Fingers crossed”.

***

Cain had been driving round for hours looking for Debbie, he was about to give up before finding her up by Home Farm.

“What are you doing here? You are supposed to be keeping a low profile, not going back to the scene of the crime!”, an angry Cain said.

“I’ve got to fix this Dad..”

“And how precisely do you intend to do that?”

“Well I haven’t worked that out yet?”

“I’m only going to say this once so listen very carefully. You messed up majorly with this one, nearly killing your little brother. Who even knows if he will ever make a full recovery. Yet your out here plotting your next move and feeling sorry for yourself, grow up Debbie. This isn’t about you… yes this is all your fault but you trying to sort it and fix it and become the hero isn’t going to help. So just stop being an idiot and go and spend time with your kids, because after Charity is finished with you they might be the only thing left”.

A speechless Debbie just nodded and got back into her car and headed back to her children. Taking in a deep breath Cain stood there, “maybe I can go and spend a night with my family now”, he muttered to himself.

***

Snuggling up tightly on the single hospital bed, Charity and Vanessa finally had a chance to be close to one another and to just relax. The pair knew that tomorrow was a big day for Noah, Vanessa knew that deep down Charity was bricking it but was covering it up trying to be the tough Charity we all knew. “No matter what happens tomorrow with Noah, I’m here. I’m not going anywhere!”, Vanessa said kissing Charity’s back as they spooned.

“He’s going to smash it tomorrow, I know he’s going to wake up”, Charity said trying to put a brave face on things. She pulled Vanessa arms around her tightly and the pair tried to get some sleep.

Chapter 19

The police had turned up at the pub looking for Charity as they had news regarding her son, the whole pub and Charity waited to hear what they had to say.

“What’s happened to my son?”

“Can we go somewhere private Miss Dingle?”

“No, please just tell me!”, Charity replied trying to hold back the tears.

“He’s been involved in a car crash, he has sustained some serious injuries. The ambulance is taking him to hospital as we speak”.

“No, not my Noah”, A distraught Charity yells. “How?”

“We’re not sure of the nature of the accident but two others were injured in the crash”.

“Ok, I need to get to the hospital”.

“We can take you there now if you’d like”.

“Yeah, ill just grab my bag”, Charity said as she was physically shaking.

“I’ll come with you”, Debbie said as Charity brushed past her.

“I don’t want you anywhere near me right now”, she quietly said as she walked past.

“Debs leave it”, Cain said.

“Chas will you make sure you give Moses and extra long hug tonight, I’ll let you know as soon as I know anything. Rhona can you tell Vanessa please”.

Both Chas and Rhona nodded agreeing to everything Charity had just said.

As Charity left with the police officers tears were streaming down her face, Why was this happening to her? Especially at a time where she was so happy and content.

***

Shock filled the pub, they couldn’t believe what had happened. They were so used to seeing the police coming because Charity had done something illegal, not because her son has been involved in a car accident.

In the back room Cain was trying to calm down an hysterical Debbie. “Debs just breathe”.

“How? How can I breathe? What have I done dad? My little brother is in god knows what state all because I wanted revenge on some idiot who broke my heart”.

“Debs, we don’t know how bad Noah is yet?”

“It doesn’t matter Dad, it’s still my fault. Mums never going to forgive me and I don’t blame her. How could I be so stupid?”

“We all do stupid things when we are mad. I know your upset and scared but this needs to be kept on the down low. We can’t have the cops getting wind of this because you will go away for a very long time”.

“If anything happens to him, they can lock me up. I wouldn’t deserve to be free”.

“Stop, you need to stop saying things like that right now. This can’t leave the family. As far as everyone is concerned right now this was an accident.”

“I should be with them I should be at the hospital!”

“If you go there now things will kick off with your mother and the police will become suspicious. What you need to do is look after the kids, calm down and be prepared for the wrath of Charity when she gets home”.

“Ok, if you hear anything let me know!” Debbie asked.

“Of course, I’ll head down there now”, Cain reluctantly said leaving Debbie on her own. As he walked back to through the pub he pulled Chas aside, “keep an eye on her, I’m worried about”.

“How could she be so stupid Cain?”

“I really don’t know, I’m gunna head to the hospital see what I can find out”.

“You sure that’s a good idea? I doubt you are high on her list of people she wants to see”

“She cant be on her own”.

“Just don’t cause a scene, last thing we need is the police sniffing around. I’ll keep you up to date”.

Cain left to head to the hospital.

***

Charity arrived at the hospital with the police officers who took her straight in to speak with the doctors. As they were walking through the hospital, Charity got an eery feeling, she hated the atmosphere. Before reaching where Noah was in the hospital she saw Graham sat in the waiting area with several cuts and bruises on and around his head and what looked like a dislocated shoulder.

“Graham what happened?” Charity asked.

“Charity, have you seen Noah yet?”

“Not yet no, look what happened?”

“We were driving Noah back from school and a about 5 or 6 sheep ran out in front of the car. I tried to slam the brakes on but they didn’t respond quick enough. I’m so sorry.”

“I need to go find my son”, Charity responded.

The officers escorted Charity to the ward in which Noah was on, “Dr Noble this is Noah’s mother”.

“Miss Dingle it’s a pleasure to meet you”.

“Charity please”.

“Charity, your son sustained some very serious injuries in the crash, as a precaution we have placed him in an induced coma to try and allow his body time to try and recover”.

“A coma?”

“With all the internal bleeding and damage to some of his organs it was the best and safest option. Like I said it’s a precaution and we’re hoping that in time his body will sort itself out”.

“Can I see him please?”, Charity asked with tears rolling down her face.

“Of course, follow me. The wires and machines will look very scary but I promise you they are helping him”.

Feeling numb Charity just nodded.

As the door opened the first thing to hit Charity was the noise, the noise of all the machines, beeping constantly. She then saw her little man led there hooked up to several machines, cuts and bruises all over him. She reached for his hand, holding it tighter than she had ever held anything before in her life. “I’m here little man, mummy’s here”, she said with tears streaming down her face, “I won’t leave your side I promise you”.

“I’ll leave you to have some alone time with your son. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to ask”, Dr Noble said.

“He will wake won’t he? He will be ok?”

“We are very hopeful that with time Noah will make a full recovery”.

“Thank you” Charity replied as she sat there holding her sons hand.

Graham knocked on the door to Noah’s room, “I just wanted to check how he was doing?”

“He’s in an induced coma, but they are very hopeful that he will make a full recovery. What about you? Joe?”

“I was lucky, a few cuts and a dislocated shoulder. Joe he’s broken both his leg and an arm, but he’ll be ok. I’m so sorry, I tried so hard to break”.

“I’m glad you are both ok, but I’d like to be alone with my son please”. Graham left the room leaving the two of them in peace. Charity knew that non of this was Graham or Joe’s fault, it was all Debbie’s. How could she be so stupid.

Charity didn’t want to leave Noah’s side for a second but she knew that she had to let Chas know what was happening. Leaving the room for a second she quickly rang Chas and filled her in.

***

Chas’s complexion had gone white after hearing the news about Noah, she headed back to the bar to let people know what was happening.

“Chas everything ok?” Paddy asked, who was sat with half the village.

“That was Charity, Noah’s in a coma”

“Oh my god, a coma? That’s really bad isn’t it?” Tracy asked.

“Poor lad”, Pete added.

“It’s an induced coma, which is supposedly going to help give his body time to recover”, Chas replied.

“I can’t believe this is happening, he’s so young. I only saw him this morning getting on the bus”, Rhona explained.

“Will you mind the bar for me Paddy, while I go tell Debbie”.

“Sure thing”, he said kissing Chas on the forehead.

Trying to keep her anger to a minimum Chas sat down next to Debbie. “You’ve heard something haven’t you? It’s bad I can tell by your face” Debbie said.

“He’s in an induced coma”.

“What? No.. a coma?”

“It’s for the best as they want to give his body time to recover”

“What have I done? My little brother is in a coma because of me”.

“Not gunna lie Debs you have well and truly messed up here. But like your dad said you have to keep your mouth shut”.

“What if he doesn’t wake up?”

“Let’s not even think about that right now, we have to stay positive for everyone. I think it best for everyone if you get an early night tonight”.

“Don’t worry I’ll stay out the way”.

***

Back at the hospital Cain had arrived to see Charity and Noah, “Can I come in?”

“I don’t want to see you cain. You were supposed to fix this!”, Charity said as Cain embraced her. “I was relying on you”.

“I know, I’m sorry. I let you down”.

“Look at my boy, this is all her fault. Why.. why did she have to be so stupid”

“I don’t know, she wasn’t thinking. Its just a horrible stupid mistake”

“Don’t make excuses for her”

“She’s our daughter Charity!”

“Yeah but he’s my son, Look I don’t have time to think about her right now. My priority is Noah, so I’d appreciate it if you just left”.

“Ok, but if you need anything I’m a phone call away ok?”

“Yeah”.

Cain decided it was probably best not to argue with Charity today so left. As he was leaving he bumped into an agitated Vanessa. “Cain, I’m here to see Charity”.

“She’s not really up for visitors”

“Please, just tell me where she is!”

“Third room on the right”

“Thanks”.

*knock knock*

“Cain I’ve already told you, I’m fine please just leave me alone”.

“It’s not Cain, it’s me”, Vanessa said in a quiet manner. “Come here”, she said as she rushed over to give Charity a hug. “He’s going to be alright, I promise you. I will be right by your side every sep of the way”.

“Thank you”, Charity responded grabbing her hand and squeezing it tight. “I just can’t believe this has happened”.

“I know, when Rhona told me I couldn’t believe it.”

“Nothing can happen to my baby Ness! I’d never forgive myself”.

“Hey, enough of that. He will be fine, we have to remain positive. Has the doctor said you can stay here tonight?”

“I haven’t even asked. I’m not leaving him though”.

“I’ll go find someone and find out! I’ll get us some coffee too!”.

“Thanks babe”, Charity replied kissing Vanessa hand as she let it go.