#rhona goskirk

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 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.