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.

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 6.

With Charity still on her break from the pub, Chas begins to worry that Charity did hear the conversation between herself and Paddy earlier.

“She’s been gone a while, she must have heard us Paddy”.

“She would have said something though surely, this is Charity were on about!”, Paddy replied.

“I need to go find her, she was in such a happy mood today and to think we might have ruined that”.

“Look go find her, ill cover for you”

Chas grabs her coat, kisses Paddy on the way out and goes to find Charity. It didn’t take long for Chas to spot Charity, she was sat on the swings staring into space, “Oi, I thought you were off to see Vanessa”, chas shouted.

Charity turned to look at Chas but didn’t respond, Chas decided to sit on the swing next to her. “You heard everything we said ey?”

“Every single word”.

“I wasn’t that mean was I?”, Chas joked.

“Well apparently I like to mess people around, I’m a screw up, I’m a game player and I’m likely to hurt Vanessa.”

“No, we didn’t say it like that, yes the old Charity was a screw up. You’ve been in so many failed relationships because you liked playing games and messing with people. That’s not new information, but if you were listening I said that it was different this time. I see a change in you and it’s a good change”.

“Then why does everyone keep telling me or telling others that I’m going to mess this up and hurt her. The more I hear that the more likely I am to do something stupid”.

“Ignore what everyone else thinks or says, they don’t know how you are felling in your heart and in your head. It’s none of our business”, Chas said with real emotion in her voice.

“Everyone just needs to keep their opinions to themselves and let us try and make this relationship work, I need to talk to everyone. You, Paddy, Rhona, Tracy, Frank… everyone”.

“Ok, get everyone to the pub and talk to them then, take charge and show them you mean business”.

The pair head back to the pub, where Charity decides to send out a group text: * Charity here, I need you all to come to the pub this evening I’ve got some things I’d like to say* This text was sent to Frank, Tracy, David, Rhona, Pete, Paddy, Chas and Marlon.
***
Back over at the Vets Rhona’s phone beeps, “Ness can you check my phone I’m currently covered in dog shit” Rhona shouts from the back room.

“Sure thing” said Vanessa reaching for Rhona’s phone. “It’s Charity…she needs you to go to the pub tonight as she has somethings she needs to say”. Vanessa’s expression was one of confusion, “why is she sending a group message out to everyone bar me? It’s not my birthday… god she better not be proposing!”

“Steady on Ness I don’t think you guys are at that stage yet. She probably just wants to organise a meal or something, but I definitely don’t think you were supposed to see that message”.

“Hmm how strange, I’m worried now. Maybe I should turn up too?”

“If she wanted you there she would have texted you”.

Vanessa was extremely confused as to why she wouldn’t be invited, you could tell that she was visibly worried by the whole situation. Suddenly the door of the vets opened, Vanessa turned round to see Charity walking towards her. “Afternoon, I’ve come to return the key to our little love nest”, Charity said winking at Vanessa.

“Thank you, I really appreciate everything you did last night”.

“Anytime, you know that, I’m just glad Johnny is ok!”

“Me too, anyway drink later? Take off where we left things?” Vanessa asked.

“Oh babe I’d love to but I’ve got to work tonight? I could meet you after, or you could meet me at the pub at closing and we can walk back to yours”.

“Ok umm… I’ll come meet you and we can walk back”.

“Alright I shall see you then, I look forward to it”, Charity said leaning into Vanessa for a kiss goodbye.

“See ya”. Vanessa said looking disappointed because she knew that Charity had just lied to her face.

“Give her the benefit of the doubt Ness, i will let you know what happens I promise you”.
***
The evening arrived, Charity pacing back and forth waiting for everyone to turn up.

“You alright?” Chas asked.

“I will be when this is over”.

In walked Tracy, David and Frank. “What are we doing here Charity?”, said Frank.

“How about I get you all a drink and we wait for the others to arrive? 2 pints and a white wine? I’ll bring them over.” Charity responded.

As she was pouring their drinks the others arrived, “your usuals? I’ll bring them over”, Charity said.

All the people she wanted to be there had arrived, she suddenly began to feel nervous, she knew that the next few minutes were going to be tough as she wasn’t good talking about feelings.

Sat there in front of her, Marlon, Chas, Paddy, Rhona, Pete, Tracy, David and Frank, all with confused expressions on their faces wondering what the hell they were doing there.

“Thank you for coming, I know you are all wondering why i brought you here tonight. I know many of you aren’t my biggest fan, I’ve probably hurt or done something stupid to you in the past and for any of that I am truly sorry. Umm I know that most of you are suspicious about my intentions with Vanessa and you think I am messing her around and will end up hurting her. But I am here tonight to let you all know that my intentions are only good, I have not been this happy in years and that is all down to Vanessa. Yes I can’t promise you all that it won’t end in hurt or heartache but I will do everything in my power to stop that from happening. All I ask is that you support us, instead of talking behind our back and doubting our feelings. Thank you for listening, any questions?”. Charity let out a big sigh after giving that speech.

Frank immediately asked “do you love her?”

“Love is a word I don’t use lightly, can I see myself falling in love with her… yes I can. But am I in love with her right now… no”, Charity responded.

“Thank you for your honesty”.

Chas added, “as long as the pair of you are happy then I support you 100%, isn’t that right Paddy?”. Paddy nodded in agreement.

“All I ask is that you treat her right and you are always honest with her”, Tracy said in a supportive manner.

“I will, I lied to her tonight but I didn’t know how else to get you all here, don’t worry I’ll apologise to her”

“You don’t have to, she’s stood behind you”, Rhona responded.

A shocked Charity turned round to see Vanessa stood there with a tear in her eye, she asks her “how much of that did you hear?”.

“All of it”, Vanessa replied.

“Look I’m sorry I lied to you, it was just a little white lie. It was the only way to get everyone here”, Charity said reaching for Vanessa’s hand. “I just needed them to understand that yes I’m not perfect but I will give this relationship everything, I want to rock your world Vanessa! I just don’t want anyone to stand in my way or put you off me” she added squeezing Vanessa’s hand tight.

“You’re forgiven, I cant believe you went to all this trouble just to get everyone on your side.”

“I’d have dragged them all here if I had to”.

“Can you really see yourself falling in love with me?” A nervous Vanessa asked.

At that moment the pub went silent, everyone looking on to see how Charity would respond. “Oh you heard that bit then… I can see myself falling in love with you… yeah!” Charity responded.

“Well good because I can see myself falling for you too”. The pair embrace, all the on lookers have smiles on their faces as for the first time they truly believed that Charity meant what she said.

“Go join everyone, I’ll grab us some drinks”, Charity said as she kissed Vanessa on the cheek.

Chapter 5:

Vanessa checked to see how Johnny was this morning, he was much brighter and back to his usual happy self. As Vanessa needed to rush off to work she had ask her Dad to look after Johnny for the day.

With a sleeping Charity still at the kitchen table, she decided to leave her a note. The note read “Morning sleepyhead, I just wanted to thank you again for all you did for me and Johnny last night. You were incredible! I’ve had to rush off to work but I didn’t want to wake you as you looked so peaceful. Here’s the key if you can lock up on your way out and bring the key to the vets that would be great. xoxo Vanessa”. She grabbed her things, kissed a sleeping Charity on the forehead and headed off to work.

Time passed and Charity woke with a dead arm, dribble all over her face and serious bed head. Once she had finally woken properly she noticed the note and key sat beside her, as she was reading the note a smile appeared on her face. Charity gathers her things and heads back to the pub to shower and change to make herself look presentable.

***

Over at the veterinary centre Vanessa is struggling to stay awake after the ordeals of the night before.

“Keeping you up Vanessa?” Paddy asked.

“She had a romantic evening with her girlfriend”, Rhona teased smirking at Paddy.

“If you must know we spent the evening…”

“Stop there I don’t want to know what you and Charity Dingle got up to last night”, Paddy interrupted.

“Shut up Paddy, let her finish”.

“We spent our evening at the hospital with Johnny”, Vanessa responded.

“Oh no is everything ok?” Paddy asked.

“Turns out he has a mild form of asthma and had an attack last night, he’s ok though. We’ve been given an inhaler just incase it happens again”. Vanessa explained.

“Ness you must have been so worried! You should have called I’d have come and sat with you”, a concerned Rhona said.

“Thanks but I had Charity there with me, I know you all joke about her and deep down you think she’s no good for me. But last night she was amazing, and the way she was with Johnny it melted my heart. I don’t want to get ahead of myself because we are taking things slow but i think I’m falling in love with her,” Vanessa said.

“You really are falling for her aren’t you?” A concerned paddy replied.

“Paddy be quiet, look Ness we are BOTH behind you 100% and I can see how much you care about her. I’m glad she’s making and effort with both of you just make sure you are positive she’s the one before throwing the L word around. I just don’t want to see you get hurt”.

“Don’t worry I know what I’ve let myself in for, ill be careful I promise”.

“Right as much as I love hearing about your relationship, shall we actually do some work?”, moaned Paddy.

***

Back at the Woolpack a very chirpy Charity is dancing around the kitchen in her towel, whilst waiting for her tea to brew.

“Charity turn the music down, we can hear it in the pub”. Chas shouted.

“What?”

“TURN THE MUSIC DOWN”.

Reluctantly Charity turned the music down, “Sorry, I couldn’t hear you”.

“Exactly, that’s when you know it’s too loud. What’s made you so happy or do I not need to even ask?”Chas asked.

“Just life… life is good. I’m in a good place and I don’t want it to change”. Charity explained.

“I’m happy for you I really am! But put some clothes on and get your ass behind the bar your supposed to be working”.

“Yes Boss”.

Realising that she won’t be able to drop the key off with Vanessa anytime soon, she decides to give her a quick text.

*”Hey V, Chas has got me working on my day off. Will drop the key off during my lunch break if that’s ok? Hope Johnny is feeling better! See you in a bit x”*

Charity finishes off getting ready and makes her way to the bar to start work, “Chas I need to take my lunch at 1, k thanks”.

Before Chas could reply with a sarcastic comment, Paddy rushes into the pub and drags her through to the back.

“Woah, what’s wrong”, Chas asks trying to catch her breath.

“It’s Vanessa” Paddy answered.

“What about Vanessa? Paddy you are starting to worry me”.

“She… she the used the L word when talking about Charity and I’m worried that this is all just a game for Charity and she’s gunna end up hurting Vanessa”.

“Paddy, calm down ok. Vanessa and Charity are both grown women who can deal with their feelings themselves. I love the fact you care so much about your friends but I’m 99% sure that the feelings are mutual, we’ve just got to let them get on with it”.

“We all know Charity though… she loves to mess with people, she gets a kick out of it. I won’t let that happen to Vanessa”, a concerned Paddy replies.

“I can see why you are worried because yeah she does like to mess with people but I genuinely believe that she won’t screw up this time and that she actually wants to make things with Vanessa work”.

What neither Paddy or Chas realised was that Charity was listening to their whole conversation from just outside the door. Hearing that Chas one of her closest friends thinks that she could mess things up yet again hurts her, it plants a seed of doubt in her head that maybe she can’t change, maybe she can’t be a better person. Did everyone still see Charity as just this girl who messes everything up?

Peering around the corner Charity quietly says, “I’m just popping to drop Vanessa her key”, trying to hold back her emotions.

Paddy and Chas look at one another in sheer panic, Paddy whispers to Chas “do you reckon she heard all of that?”.

“Knowing our luck probably”.

***

Deciding to go for a walk to clear her head and gather her thoughts before seeing Vanessa, Charity headed off. She couldn’t understand why people close to her didn’t think she could change, was she really that much of a screw up that she couldn’t change and become a better person.

Should she spare Vanessa’s feelings now and end things just incase she does mess things up in the end? Or does she prove everyone wrong and make this relationship work?

Chapter 4:

The pair arrive back at Vanessa’s with the cheesiest grins on their faces, Vanessa had never seen Charity so happy. She was smitten because she knew the major reason that Charity was so happy was her, a 41 year old Yorkshire vet. How could this be possible? Vanessa was never one to have much confidence in herself, but every second she was spending with Charity her confidence was growing and growing.

“Got any wine babe?”, Charity asked.

Vanessa was in a world of her own, lost in her thoughts.

“Babe, hello earth to Vanessa…”

Snapping out of her day dream Vanessa replied, “Sorry, i was miles away”.

“Anywhere nice?”

“I wish! A beach somewhere would be nice”

“Can i join you?”

“Hmmm not sure about that” joked Vanessa. “I was just thinking about the last couple of hours, i mean did they actually happen. Did you really buy me flowers and are we really an actual thing now?”

“I know its hard to believe that me, a sarcastic ice queen can be romantic but i am trying”.

“Just keep doing what you are doing because i find it a real turn on. Charity Dingle being soft and mushy… Yes please”.

Walking towards Vanessa, Charity took of her suit jacket and threw it on the sofa. Reaching Vanessa, she grabbed her around the waist, pulled her closer and softly kissed her on the lips. “I can be soft and mushy as much as you like, as long as you don’t tell anyone”.

“You’re secret is safe with me”.

As the passion heats up, Charity helps Vanessa slip off her jumper, throwing it on the floor. She slowly undoes the buttons on Vanessa shirt caressing her body as she takes it off. Taking a big sigh Charity looking at Vanessa body says “Wow”. Vanessa whose cheeks were starting to turn red, starts to undo Charity’s blouse, this was a position Charity wasn’t used to being in, she was used to being in charge. With both their hearts racing, the kissing became more passionate, just as Charity gets ready to undo Vanessa’s bra strap, Frank bursts in the door with Johnny.

The pair rush to cover up, “Dad have you ever heard of knocking? Vanessa shouted.

“Well its not like he’s never seen me naked”, Charity Joked.

“Sorry to interrupt ladies, but its Johnny, he has been struggling with his breathing”, said a concerned Frank.

Vanessa rushing over to see her little boy notices that his face is very pale and his breathing is shallower than usual.

“We need to get him to a doctor! I’m sorry, were gunna have to postpone tonight”.

“Of course, right Frank go start the car, Ness give Johnny here while you get changed and well go get him checked ok! Everything’s going to be fine”. Charity said in a very calm tone.

While Vanessa rushed to get changed she noticed Charity holding Johnny in close singing to him to keep him calm. In that moment Vanessa thought to herself, I am one lucky woman.

“It’s ok sweetheart, mummy will be back any moment and we will go see the nice doctors”.

“Right lets go” Vanessa said with authority.

“You go get in the car ill lock up and be there in 2 minutes”.
***
Over at the hospital Vanessa and co are waiting with Johnny to see a doctor to work out what’s wrong with him. It is very obvious that Vanessa is extremely worried, Charity reaches out and takes hold of her hand, kisses it and tells Vanessa “Everything is going to be ok, I’m here and I’m not going anywhere”.

Vanessa turns to Charity and simple mouths “Thank you”.

Johnny’s condition started to improve, but the doctors wanted to run some tests to try and figure out why his breathing suddenly went so shallow. It was currently 2 o’clock in the morning and Vanessa was still in with Johnny getting tests done. Frank decided that he really needed to get back to the village as he had work early in the morning, Charity decided to go with him so she could collect her car and come back to the hospital. They didn’t have time to tell Vanessa the plan.

Tests had been completed, Vanessa and Johnny had been sent back to the waiting area to wait for the all clear. She opened the door to the room expecting to see both her father and her lover, yet the room was completely empty. Her face dropped, why would they leave? Especially at a time like this. Anger and disappointment covered Vanessa’s face, yet seeing her little boy back to his usual smiley self made a smile appear on her face.

“I love you so much little man, you are my world. I know i can rely on you! Unlike some other people” Vanessa said looking lovingly at Johnny.

A voice from behind her replies “I told you i wasn’t going anywhere, you can rely on me you know”.

A shocked Vanessa turns her head to see Charity stood there with 2 coffees and Johnny’s favourite teddy bear. “I thought you’d gone?” Vanessa softly said.

“Your Dad needed to go back so i asked for a lift so i could get my car and come straight back. I also thought that the little man would want his teddy. I would never leave you at a time like this.”

“Thank you, i really don’t know what I’ve done to deserve you” Vanessa replied.

“You might not be saying that down the line when I’ve done something wrong”, Charity joked.

“Probably not, but right now you and Johnny are all i need.”

“I’m right here”, Charity said as she put her arm around Vanessa and squeezed her tight.

Time past and both Vanessa and Johnny were sound asleep being cuddled by Charity. The doctor eventually came out to let Vanessa know that Johnny may have a weak form of Asthma but right now to give him the all clear to go home.

“Thank you so much doctor.” Said Vanessa shaking his hand, looking down at a sleeping Johnny she whispered, “lets get you home little man”. The three of them head home after a very stressful evening.
***
Arriving back at Tug Ghyll, Charity tells Vanessa to go and put her feet up while she gets Johnny sorted in bed. She knew that Vanessa was emotionally drained after today so she wanted to take the pressure off her and allow her to relax.

Tucking Johnny into bed she kisses him on the forehead and whispers, “sleep well little man, don’t ever scare me like that again”.

Charity walks downstairs to find Vanessa asleep on the sofa, she finds a blanket and wraps her up warm. She kisses her on the forehead and sits down near to make sure she was there in case Vanessa needed anything.

Morning came and Vanessa woke to find a very uncomfortable looking Charity, who had fallen asleep with her head resting on the kitchen table. Vanessa transferred the blanket Charity had used to keep her warm onto a sleeping Charity then goes to check on her little man.

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.

Chapter 2:

Noah with the help of Chas and Marlon had been extremely busy while his mum was over apologising to Vanessa. He knew it would take his mum a while to find the right words to say to Vanessa, she he took his time organising everything. He had tidied the living room and dining area, set the table using the best cutlery, Chas had helped him pick out a good bottle of wine and Marlon was busy making their dinner. He had ordered his mums favourite hoping that Vanessa would have similar tastes.

The pair walk in, hand in hand shocked to see what Noah had done for them, “babe did you do all this?” A surprised Charity asked.

“Yeah!… well I had help from Chas and Marlon, but I did most of it”, Noah explained.

“It’s amazing, thank you Noah”, Vanessa said with a huge grin on her face.

“Sit down, make yourself comfortable”, Noah said as he attempted to open the bottle of wine.

“Should have chosen a screw top babe!, give it here”, said Charity trying not to laugh.

As Charity expertly opened the wine bottle, Noah popped into the kitchen to see how the food was coming alone.

“Marlon, how long on the food?” Noah said in a bossy manner.

“You sound just like your mother!, shouldn’t be long about 5 minutes boss”, Marlon replied.

“Ill just wait until its ready then, can I try the mushy peas?”.

“Go on then but just a little bit”, Marlon said.

Meanwhile back in the dining room, Charity and Vanessa are enjoying the wine and the atmosphere. “When you said dinner I wasn’t expecting this! Your boy has done good”, a smitten Vanessa said.

“He’s done very good, I wasn’t expecting this either. I wouldn’t have been surprised if beans on toast has of been served”, the pair laughed. “He went to all of this trouble to make sure that i apologised to you and that we were on good terms”, explained Charity in a soft and caring manner.

Noah clears his throat *cough cough* to break up the little romantic conversation that was going on, “main course is served”.

“Oooooh, this looks nice”, said an excited Vanessa.

“You’ve got a steak and ale pie, served with chunky chips and mushy peas”, Noah described.

“Babe, this is amazing. Make sure to thank Marlon and Chas for all the help yeah?”.

“Will do mum”.

The three of them all tucked into their meals, the atmosphere around the table was a little tense as no one really knew what to say. As the silence grew, Vanessa caught Charity’s eye and gave her the look as if to say *say something would you*. Charity quickly chimed in and asked Noah how his video games were going as if she actually knew what she was talking about. “Completed anymore levels on your game yet noah”.

“They are called missions mum, not levels”, Noah said in a disappointed tone.

“Oh my bad, well have you completed any more missions then?”

“Yeah loads, i find it really easy.”

“Do you reckon you could give me a lesson one day? So that when johnny is old enough i can beat him”, Vanessa asked trying to make a connection with Noah.

“Yeah sure, anytime. Once johnny is old enough i can give him so lessons too”, said a very enthusiastic Noah.

Charity’s smile grew bigger and bigger, as she could see the pair getting along extremely well. Could her son and the woman she has feelings for be sparking up a friendship? Could this be the beginning of the rest of her life?

“I would love that, i have to warn you I’ll probably be rubbish. But ill make sure i bring over sweets and pop and we can make and afternoon of it”, Vanessa replied with a beaming smile on her face.

The three of them finished their dinner and came to an agreement that because Noah went to all the effort of organising and sorting the meal, Charity and Vanessa would do the washing up. As Vanessa got her rubber gloves on, Charity ceased on the opportunity to fill the sink with too many bubbles as she knew this could lead to some fun. As Vanessa washed the dishes she suddenly felt a spot of water on her cheek, as she turned to face Charity, an onslaught of bubbles smacked her right in the face.

“Oh my god, your dead”, Vanessa said as she flicked water in Charity’s direction.

“You didn’t”, said a playful Charity.

“Oh i so did”, Vanessa replied.

The pair continued to cover one another in hot soapy water for the next 5 minutes, both covered completely, soaked through. “Hey, I didn’t know this was a wet t-shirt competition”, Charity said.

“I’d deffo win, I’m a tiny blonde rocket woman remember”, a smirking Vanessa replied.

Charity gives off a quiet giggle, as she grabs Vanessa’s waist and pulls her in close, whispering “your my tiny blonde rocket woman”. Kissing her passionately on the lips. “I think we need to get out of these clothes, stay with me tonight?”

Taking off her wet shirt, Vanessa replied “Try kicking me out of that bed, but I do need to just ring trace and ask her to look after johnny”.

The pair headed of upstairs for a wild night in the sack.

***

Morning came with the bright sunshine beaming through the curtains of Charity’s bedroom, Vanessa led there spooning Charity as she peacefully slept. She lay there thinking to herself I could get used to this! Her thoughts were interrupted as Charity’s alarm went off, Vanessa carefully untangled herself to quickly turn the alarm off allowing Charity to sleep in. Covering herself up using Charity’s black silk robe, Vanessa headed downstairs to make a start on Noah’s breakfast.

Unsure of what Noah usually ate for breakfast she decided that it was best to make him some toast and cereal. A sleepy Noah walked down the stairs, surprised to see Vanessa, but even more surprised to see she had made him breakfast.

“Morning, I didn’t know what you normally had, so i made you a couple of options”, said Vanessa.

“This… this is for me? But its not my birthday!”, a shocked Noah expressed.

“Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, of course this is for you”.

“Thanks, ill have them both please”, said a grateful Noah.

“Ive also made you a packed lunch, I wasn’t sure if you had school dinners or not but i made you one just in case”.

“This is the best day ever, thanks. I normally have to make my own lunch and i usually cant be bothered so just eat chocolate. Thank you so much”, Noah replied.

“You’re welcome”.

As Noah finished his breakfast, he grabbed his lunch for school, he approached Vanessa and gave her a hug. A stunned Vanessa gave him a hug back and watched him leave for school. Overcome with happiness a smile covered her face, she heard a creek from one of the floorboards on the stairs. “You scared me! How long have you been there?” Vanessa said.

“Long enough to see how amazing you are with Noah, you let me sleep in, made him breakfast and packed him a school lunch. I could kiss you right now”, Charity explained.

“Come here then!”, Vanessa demanded. The pair kissed, “sit down, its my turn to treat you! Breakfast?” Charity said.

“Breakfast sounds perfect!”

“I still cant quite get my head around the fact that you did all that for Noah, well and for me!”

“It was no big deal, just breakfast. He’s a good kid Charity, you should be proud of how you’ve raised him. I know i would be if he was mine!” Vanessa expressed with sincerity.

“That means a lot, I’ve not been the best mother in the past but i do try and raise him the best i can. I even forget how old he is most of the time!”

“That’s old age creeping in”, a giggling Vanessa said.

“Oi, watch it you”, Charity said leaning in for a kiss.

“Ive got to head to work, but I’m free later so ill pop in and see you while your working. You can provide me with pints and ill provide you with the eye candy”, Vanessa said winking at Charity.

“It’s a date, but only if you wear that sexy yellow knitted jumper”, joked Charity.

“Deal” said Vanessa as she kissed Charity one last time before heading to work.

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.

Commitment

Coming to terms with her sexuality was a big deal for Vanessa, she didn’t have the chance to come out the way she wanted, instead she was thrown out. She had forgiven Charity for how she handle things and she seemed to be in a happy place.

She knew that what she felt that night with Charity was mind blowing and she felt she owed it to herself to follow her heart and see where dating a woman could lead.

After a couple of wild nights with Charity, Vanessa was contemplating whether or not to put, “all her eggs in one basket”, and see where things with Charity could lead. Worried about being hurt or over committing Vanessa was acting weird and it hadn’t gone unnoticed.

Over at the woolpack, Vanessa and Charity have been enjoying some much needed alone time. With both of their pulses racing, they let out a big sigh…”wow, that was amazing”, a cheerful charity expressed. “Wow indeed”, Vanessa replied.

The pair of them led there getting their breath back, Charity cosied up into the chest of Vanessa, wanting to get comfortable for the night ahead. Vanessa suddenly became restless and fidgety, “babe you alright?”, Charity asked.

“Yeah, fine”, Vanessa mumbled. “Just need to be getting back to Johnny”.

“You’re leaving?”, a confused Charity responded.

“Yeah, sorry. Rhona has an early start.”

“Ok.. umm well I’ll see you tomorrow then?”, a hopeful charity asked.

“Yeah, see you tomorrow”, Vanessa replied leaning in to kiss Charity goodnight.

As Vanessa left, Charity’s happy mood suddenly turned sour, she kept thinking to herself, why does Vanessa never stay? She always leaves? Have I done something wrong?

The following morning Charity woke up in an awful mood, with a million thoughts and feelings running through her head. Making herself a strong coffee, Charity sits down contemplating what could possibly be going wrong between her and Vanessa. Thinking that its not normal for people to leave straight after making love.

A bright and breezy Chas walks in, “Morning, how was your wild night of passion?”.

“Don’t ask”, mumbled a visible irate Charity.

“Trouble in paradise?”, Chas replied in a sarcastic tone.

“Sit down, i need some advice from you and yes before you make some witty, sarcastic comment, i am asking you for advice”. Charity reluctantly asked.

“Go for it”.

“I think I’ve done something to upset Vanessa, i mean the sex is fantastic and i get no complaints from her”, she said proudly with a massive grin on her face. “But she never stays over, she never falls asleep with me, she always leaves and I don’t get why?”.

“There could be many reasons why she doesn’t want to stay over, maybe she turns into a werewolf at midnight?”, Chas chirped back, letting off a slight giggle.

“CHAS, I’m trying to be serious right now!” Charity shouted.

“Look speaking from experience when I didn’t want to stay over it was either because i was just interested in the sex, scared of committing or scared of being hurt”. Chas answered in a very serious manner.

A confused looking Charity left the room in a swift manner.

****

A knock at the door of Tug Ghyll bewildered Vanessa. Who could possibly be knocking on the door at this time in the morning? Vanessa opened the door to a smiley Rhona, who stood there holding two hot coffees and freshly cooked pastries from the cafe.

“Morning sunshine, mind if i come in?” Asked a chirpy Rhona. “What’s with your miserable face?”

“Ohhh don’t ask”, Vanessa sighed.

“Well i just did, so get comfy lady I’m not leaving until you tell me what’s wrong”.

Letting out a big sigh Vanessa replied… “I’m scared, scared of getting hurt”.

“Getting hurt, what do you mean?”a puzzled Rhona asked.

“I’m scared I’m falling for her, every minute i spend with her the further I’m falling and it scares the crap out of me. I cant even stay the night because for me that’s showing commitment and I’m scared to commit in case its not what she wants”. Explains a visibly upset Vanessa.

Rhona took a deep breath in, took Vanessa hand and held it tightly. “There’s no lie that Charity in the past hasn’t had the most successful time with her relationships. I mean there was Chris, Cain, Jai, Declan, Ross, Cain again… its an impressive list of failed relationships.”

“Rub it in why don’t you Rhona, that’s not helping me”.

“You didn’t let me finish, I was going to say yes, she has failed miserably in the past but… the last few months I’ve seen a different side to Charity. She smiles when you walk into the room, she’s nicer when she’s around you, she’s shown that she does care about you. I know I’m not her biggest fan, but give her a chance, its scary and she may well end up breaking you heart. But she could also turn out to be the love of your life. You know ill always be here to pick up the pieces if it does go wrong, and well if it goes right i expect to be your maid of honour”, Rhona said with a smile on her face.

“You really think i should go for it?”

“I think you should at least sit down and have a chat with her”.

Deciding that there was no time like the present, Vanessa grabs her coat and makes her way to the Woolpack.

****

Over at the Woolpack, Charity with a miserable expression on her face is reluctantly finishing her shift. In walked Vanessa with a air of self confidence surrounding her, Charity instantly clocks her, putting a smile straight on her face.

“Can we talk?” Vanessa asked.

Charity looks over to Chas who gives her the nod of approval to take a break, “Yeah, come on through”.

Acting like a pair of nervous teenagers, Vanessa sits. An agitated Charity cant keep still so asks Vanessa, “can i get you a drink? Tea, coffee, wine, something stronger?”.

“I’m fine thanks, just come sit.”

“Why do i suddenly get the feeling that your about to give me some bad news?’”

“What? No.. i came to try explain why I’ve been acting weird and why i keep leaving after you know… we’ve had sex”.

“So there is a reason. Ive been so worried all day that I’ve done something wrong or you didn’t enjoy yourself.”

“No, nothing like that, its amazing, your amazing.”

“Then what? You can talk to me, I don’t bite.. well not all the time” Charity added cheekily.

“The reason I’ve been acting weird and leaving is because I’m scared to commit, I’m scared that I’m just another fling for you”.

Charity grabs Vanessa hand, squeezing it tight, “You are not just another fling, you are so much more to me than that. I care about you, I know I don’t express things like this enough and I’m working on it. You make me a better person, a person I like being. Yes i make mistakes and do stupid things but i am happier around you”.

Sighing, vanessa responded, “I want to not have to worry about whether or not you’ll be there in the morning when i wake up. I want to be able to trust that I’m enough for you and that you wont go searching for happiness elsewhere”.

“Look i cant promise you that i will never hurt you, or make mistakes. But i will do my best to treat you like you deserve to be treated, i will make you happy until you decide otherwise. But most importantly i want to be able to fall asleep next you and wake up to your beautiful smile”.

Vanessa’s expression immediately changed, looking directly into charity’s eyes she calmly said “Ok, so here’s the deal. We both do our best not to hurt one another, we try to focus on making each other happy, but most importantly we communicate. We are both grown adults and for this to work we have to be able to talk to each other.”

“Oh we can talk, but for now I’m done with talking. Vanessa Woodfield would you do me the honour of escorting me to the bedroom and staying the night”. Charity expressed whilst leaning in for a kiss, Vanessa nodded as the pair made their way upstairs.

Family Matters Chapters 29,30 & 31

Chapter 29: http://archiveofourown.org/works/13889022/chapters/32051532

Chapter 30: http://archiveofourown.org/works/13889022/chapters/32063562

Chapter 31: http://archiveofourown.org/works/13889022/chapters/32081949

Enjoy ❤️

Family Matters Chapter 27&28

http://archiveofourown.org/works/13889022/chapters/32014833

http://archiveofourown.org/works/13889022/chapters/32034699

ENJOY

Family Matters Chapter 25:

The chapter was too long to put on tumblr but it’s now all on Ao3…

http://archiveofourown.org/works/13889022/chapters/31984170

Enjoy ❤️

Chapter 24

“I love you two babe”, Charity replied trying to control her breathing from the crying. Charity couldn’t believe that her little boy was awake and speaking after the trauma he had gone through. She knew it was going to take time for him to reach 100%, but the fact that he was awake and responding was a step in the right direction.

“Hi Noah, I’m Dr Noble. But you can call me Adam. How you feeling? If it’s too hard to speak a thumbs up or thumbs down will do”.

Noah tried to get the words out but his throat was too dry, he managed to raise his thumb and give his audience a smile.

“Thats a good start, does anywhere hurt?”, Adam replied.

Noah managed to point to his leg which had been badly bruised in the car crash.

“Ok, good. So no pain anywhere else then?”

Shaking his head, Noah replied.

“This is all really good news, the fact that the only pain he has is in his leg which we knew was damaged. It’s all looking really positive. I’ll leave you to it, any change just press the buzzer”, Adam said stepping to one side to speak to the pair.

“Thank you so much, for everything”, Charity replied.

“You’re welcome”.

As Adam left Charity walked to the other side of the bed, while Vanessa was still on the other side.

“Hey Noah, boy am I glad to see that smile of yours!”, Vanessa said squeezing Noah’s hand. “You make sure you make a speedy recovery I’m still waiting for that video game lesson”.

Noah turned his head to look at Vanessa and gave her a big cheesy grin, clearing his throat he attempted to reply. “Th..ank you. Fo..r loo..king after m..um”, he replied the best he could.

With tears filling her eyes Vanessa looked over at Charity smiled, looked back at Noah smiled even more and replied, “it was my pleasure. Do you want some water for your throat?”

Noah nodded, Vanessa left the room to go and find some cold water to try and help sooth Noah’s throat.

“How did you know Vanessa had looked after me?”, Charity asked. “Could you hear us when you were in the coma?”

“Yes, everything”, Noah replied

“Everything?” Charity said worryingly. What if Noah knew it was his sister that is to blame for his accident?

Noah nodded and began to laugh.

“You didn’t hear that?”

“You two got caught”, Noah replied laughing.

“Oh no, you can’t let Vanessa know you know that we got caught. She’ll be so embarrassed”.

In walked Vanessa to the pair laughing, “what have I missed?”

“Noah could hear when he was in a coma”, Charity said whilst giving Vanessa a semi concerned look.

“Really? Wow that amazing… wait no… he knows doesn’t he. Oh god”. Realising she was never going to be able to forget getting caught, she decided to embrace it and laugh along with them.

“I’ll be able to use it against you both”, Noah teased.

“I don’t think so babe”.

“Here have some water, it will help your throat”, Vanessa said helping Noah to drink. “Right I’m going to head back to the village to fill everyone in on the good news, need to see Johnny as I’ve been a bad mum recently and I’m going to grab a shower. If there’s anything you need from the pub give us a text and I’ll grab it for you, I’ll come back to see you later”. Vanessa said walking over to Charity, “I’ll see you later” she said kissing her girlfriend.

“Right I’m going to pop to the hospital shop to get some snacks for us, do you want a magazine or anything?”

“Surprise me”, Noah replied.

Rushing to catch up with Vanessa, Charity was concerned about how much Noah really did hear! “Ness wait, Noah claims he heard everything? What if he knows about Debbie?”

“Oh god I totally forgot about that… I guess you wait and see if he brings it up?” Vanessa replied.

“Ok so I need to try and figure out what he heard, right I’ll see you later”, Charity said as she walked in the opposite direction.

***

Back at the village a chirpy Vanessa headed straight for the pub to let everyone know the good news about Noah.

“Vanessa! How’s Noah?”, Chas bombarded Vanessa as soon as she walked into the room.

“He’s awake!”

“Oh my god, I’ve never been more relieved in my life”, Chas replied.

“So is he all ok?”, Cain asked.

“So far so good, he’s not complaining of any pain which is good. His throats causing him the most pain but he’s in good spirits”.

“It’s great news it really is”, Paddy added.

“We’ve had a collection round the village and we’ve got some cards and presents for him. Shall I give them to you sis?”, Tracy asked.

“Yeah Trace, I’ll be heading back there later. Need to see Johnny first I’ve completely neglected him the last few days”.

“Hey, don’t feel bad. He understands that you’ve been looking after Noah”, Tracy replied.

“You’ve been brilliant Vanessa! They are both very lucky to have you and I know Charity appreciates it a lot”, Cain said from over in the corner.

“Thanks, I’ve tried”, Vanessa responded, Cain had barely ever said two words to her let alone praise her for being there for his ex.

“Is he up for visitors? Moses is dying to see his big brother”, Paddy asked S he had been helping Chas with the kids over the past few days.

“Yeah, I believe so. I’m sure he would love to see some friendly faces”.

“Perfect, I’ll get him ready and we will head over there now. Thanks Ness” Paddy said.

“Right I need to go attend to some mummy duties, I will hopefully see you all soon for a much needed pint”, Vanessa said as she got ready to leave the pub.

“I think she really does love Charity!”, Paddy said to Chas.

“I genuinely think they are the real deal”

“I feel stupid now for all that drama we caused at the beginning for them”

“We were only being cautious”

“Right, I’m going to get Moses ready, so that when Debbie makes an appearance we can go see Noah”, Paddy said.

***

Charity returned from the shop with lots of goodies for herself and Noah, she walked into the room to find that Noah had managed to sit himself up. “You’re looking a lot more human now”.

“I feel a lot better”, Noah said quietly as he was still struggling with his voice.

“Good! So I’ve got lots of goodies, got you some chocolate buttons, a twix as they are my favourites. Some biscuits, monster munch, a selection of magazines and a cuddly toy”.

“Mum I’m not a little kid”

“I know but I couldn’t resist. If you don’t want it you can give it to Moses! So what else did you hear?”

“I heard Joe come to visit, Debbie was here but I don’t remember anything from that visit. Oh and you told Vanessa you loved her”, Noah said quietly trying to stop her throat from hurting,

“That’s about all that happened really! So strange to think you heard it all”, Charity said relieved that he couldn’t remember everything.

“So do you love Vanessa mum?”, Noah asked.

“Yes, I do. I’m happier when I’m around her”.

“Good, because I like her too. She’s nice and wants to play video games with me”.

“She’s still waiting for that lesson”.

“Mum…”

“Yes babe”

“Don’t mess this one up.”

“When did you get so smart? Don’t worry I will do my very best not to mess this up. Right shall we crack open the chocolate?”, Charity said as she climbed onto Noah’s bed.

“I’m sorry for getting Joe to pick me up from school without telling you!”.

“I forgive you, next time just tell me. So I know where you are! I was worried sick about you Noah. I know sometimes I’m not the best mum in the world but you and Moses mean the world to me and I would do anything to make sure you are safe.”

“Don’t forget Debbie”

“And Debbie..” Charity reluctantly said.

“Anyway I think your the best mum ever”, Noah said cuddling up to his mum. Charity sat there and smiled, hearing those words come out of her sons mouth made her forget the fact that Debbie was the cause of this accident.

There was a knock at the door, Chas, Paddy and Moses entered the room armed with lots of presents and balloons for Noah.

“Up for some visitors?”, Paddy said peering Moses round the corner of the door.

“Moses baby”, Charity said leaping off the bed to cuddle her youngest.

“Hey Noah, how you feeling?”, Chas asked.

“Much better thanks”.

“We’ve got some presents from the village for you”, Paddy said handing Noah the bag of gifts.

“Thanks”, Noah replied as he started to open his presents. “Is Debbie coming to see me?”.

Chas, Charity and Paddy looked at one another as none of them knew how to answer that question. Paddy decided to answer, “shes really busy at the moment with the garage but I’m sure she’ll come see you soon”.

“So what did you get?”, Charity asked trying to change the subject.

“I got the new FIFA game from everyone”, an excited Noah said.

“Wow, you’ll have to make sure you thank everyone when you get home”.

“I will don’t worry mum”.

“Any news on when he’ll be able to go home?”, Chas asked Charity.

“No idea, I’m just so glad he’s ok. Never been so worried in my life!”

“I bet! What you going to do about the other problem?”, Chas asked referring to the problem with Debbie.

“No idea, to be honest right now all that matters are my two boys and Vanessa. She’s gone a step too far this time and I don’t know if I can forgive her”.

“Things are getting serious with Vanessa then?”

“Yeah, they are and I’m excited”, Charity responded with a massive grin on her face. “Can you do me a favour?”

“Of course, what’s up?”, Chas replied.

“Can you stay with Noah while I go back to the pub and shower? I feel so dirty”.

“No problem, me and Paddy we’ve got this”.

“Thanks”, Charity said kissing her two boys before leaving heading back to the village.

Chapter 23

A new day dawned and the sun was shining brightly through the window of Noah’s hospital room. In between the beeping of the machines and the ladies snoring in the corner you could just hear the chirping of the birds from outside, was this a sign of good things to come. The bed must have helped the pair sleep as it was gone 9am and they were still fast asleep, that was until a knock at the door woke Charity.

“Come in”, Charity responded still half asleep.

In walked Graham pushing Joe in his wheelchair, “sorry to interrupt your sleep, I just wanted to wish Noah good luck for his big day” Joe replied.

“It’s fine, just keep the noise down Ness is still sleeping”.

Joe made his way over to Noah, “hey buddy, you make sure you show those doctors whose boss today by waking up. Because I miss our chats and of course beating you at chess. I’m being discharged today, but don’t worry I’ll come visit as much as I can. I love you buddy”, Joe emotionally said.

Charity had never seen this side of Joe before, he actually did have a heart. She could tell how much Noah meant to him, “you can visit anytime you want, he would want you here!” Charity replied.

“Thank you. I’ve got everything crossed that he wakes up today”.

“We both do”, Graham added.

“As soon as anything happens I will let you know”.

“Thanks, I’ll leave you to it!”. Joe responded as they both left the room to head back to Home farm.

“That was nice of him, he seems to genuinely love Noah”, a little voice from over in the corner said.

“Good morning sleepy head, it’s nice to see this side of Joe but there’s still something off about him, I just can’t place my finger on it”, Charity responded.

“Well it’s nice to see you giving him a chance”.

“A chance being the important thing, he’s got one chance. The moment he screws that up I’m done”.

“That’s fair, do we know when the doctors coming?”

“In about an hour and half I think, I’m so nervous I got throw up. What if he doesn’t wake up Ness?”

“Then we wait a few more days and when the doctor thinks he’s ready to try again we will. And we won’t stop until he wakes up, ok?”

“Yeah, you’re right!”

“I always am, you should know that by now. I’m just going to go ring Dad and check that everything is ok with Johnny. I won’t be long”.

Vanessa left the room, stepping just outside “Hey Dad, How’s my little man?”

“Hey Teenie, he’s absolutely fine. Loving having sleepovers at Grandads”, frank replied.

“That’s good to hear. I feel so bad not being around. Give him a big kiss from me and tell him I will see him soon. Oh and dad..”

“Yes sweetheart?”

“I know I’ve said it a million times already but thank you”.

“Anytime, I love hanging out with him. He’s a joy”.

“See ya, dad.”

“Bye Teenie”.

Vanessa was very relieved to hear that Johnny was ok and behaving himself whilst staying with his grandad. She felt like she was being an awful mother to him but at the same time felt like she was being a step-mum type figure for Noah. She made her way back into Noah’s room to see Charity half naked as she was getting changed, “damn girl”, Vanessa said in an American accent.

“Ey, you like what you see?”, Charity responded in a mobster accent as she seductively turned around.

“I sure do! But let’s cover up before someone else walks in”, Vanessa replied trying to avoid anymore embarrassment.

“I seem to have lost function in my arms will you come help me put my bra on”, Charity said teasing Vanessa.

Vanessa couldn’t resist getting her hands on her girlfriend, “Come here then”, she said sliding Charity’s bra straps onto her shoulders, caressing her skin as she clipped the hooks together on her bra. “There you go”, Vanessa said kissing Charity up her neck.

“You can’t stop there!”

“Yes I can, now put your top on before the doctors walk in”.

“You’re no fun”.

*knock knock* “we all decent”, Dr Noble joked after hearing what happened yesterday.

Vanessa looked at Charity, “he knows we got caught” she whispered.

“We’re decent Dr”, Charity responded.

“Morning ladies, nice to see we have all our clothes on today”, he joked.

“We’re really sorry about that, it should never of happened”, Vanessa responded in a very apologetic manner.

“It’s not a problem, it’s nice to see two people in love and having some fun”.

“See, no reason to be embarrassed by it”, Charity said aiming it directly to Vanessa.

“Anyway, are we ready to see how Noah responds from us taking him out of his coma?”

“Yes, so ready”, Charity replied.

“I do have to warn you that there may be no change in his condition, he might not wake. If that is the case then we wait, give him more time and try again another time. I am hopeful that he will wake, his vitals and test results show his body responding well to the medication. Do you have any questions?”

“I don’t think so…”, a nervous Charity responded reaching out for Vanessa hand.

The pair went and stood over the far side of the room out of the way of the doctors and nurses, so they could get on with their job. Charity began to shake, Vanessa wrapped her arms around Charity holding on to try and calm her nerves. “I’ve got you”, Vanessa said calmly and lovingly.

“Noah, we are about to inject something into you which is going to hopefully help you wake. Go with the flow and don’t try to fight it. We are here with you every step of the way”.

As the nurse began to inject Noah, Charity’s grip on Vanessa tightened. The medication was in Noah’s system and all they could do was watch and wait to see if it had any effect.

“Come on little man”, Charity quietly said from the far side of the room.

As the seconds ticked past the tension in the room grew, there had been no movement or sign of Noah waking up.

“Because Noah’s vital signs are staying at a stable and consistent rate we are going to give him a couple of hours to see if they stay that way. If they do we will not be putting him back into an induced coma, we will let him come around in his own time”, Dr Noble told the pair.

“So that’s a good thing?”, Vanessa asked as Charity was stood their frozen in worry.

“It’s a very good thing, it means that Noah’s body wasn’t relying on all of the medication we were giving him. So with time he will wake up, it could take minutes but it could take hours”.

“Thank you we will stay by his side and wait”.

“I’ll leave you both to it! A nurse will be in every 10 minutes to check on him”.

“Thank you”, Charity managed to say.

“Babe this is such good news, your boy is going to be ok!”, Vanessa said holding onto Charity’s face in a loving manner.

“I can’t believe it, he’s going to be ok!”, she replied leaning in to kiss Vanessa. “Babe do you mind calling Chas and letting her know”.

“Of course not, want me to ring joe as well”.

“If you could. I’d be grateful.”

“No worries”.

Vanessa made her way outside to give both Chas and Joe a ring to let them know the good news. “Vanessa?”, Chas answered.

“Hey Chas, so I have some really good news”

“Noah? He’s awake?”

“Not yet, but they have taken him out of his coma and are hopeful he will wake within hours”.

“Oh that’s wonderful news, I’m so happy. Give Charity a hug from me!”.

“Will do, Umm you couldn’t do me a favour could you.. can you tell Debbie for me! I know things are not good between them at the moment but she deserves to know!”

“You sure? Might not go down well with Charity!”

“I’ll take the risk. Thanks Chas”. Vanessa said as she put the phone down. She knew telling Debbie would be taking a big risk but she felt deep down it was the right thing to do.

Next she needed to let Joe know, but he didn’t answer his phone, so she decided to leave him a message. *”Hi Joe, it’s Vanessa. I just wanted to let you know that Noah is out of his Coma, he’s not awake yet but the doctors are hopeful that it should happen in the next few hours. If anything else happens I will let you know”*. As she hung up the phone she heard a shout from inside Noah’s room.

“Somebody help he looks like he is having a fit”, Charity screamed.

Vanessa along with Dr Noble rushed into the room to see what was happening.

“Please do something”, Charity yelled as she was panicking.

“This is a normal reaction when medication has been lowered, it should pass quickly”, Dr Noble calmly said.

Noah’s body slowly started to stop shaking, it eventually stopped, his hand began to move. Charity quickly grabbed his hand, “Noah babe can you hear me?”. As Charity spoke to her son, he gently squeezed her hand, “you can hear me… he’s squeezing my hand”.

“Noah I’m Dr Noble, can you open your eyes?”, Noah’s face began to strain as he tried to open his eyes, after a couple of attempts they finally opened.

“Hey babe, it’s nice to see you again”, Charity said to Noah.

“M…um”, he managed to say quietly.

“Noah.. I’m here babe”, Charity replied as the tears streamed down his face.

“I… lo..ve you”, he said trying to smile at his mum. Over come with emotion Charity dropped to her knees, Vanessa rushed over to embrace her girlfriend.

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 21

Vanessa arrived back at the hospital armed with clothes for both herself and Charity, some of Noah’s favourite things to decorate his hospital room and a bunch of flowers to cheer up her girlfriend. Walking into Noah’s room she was greeted by a massive hug from Charity.

“Babe, I’ve been waiting for you to return for ages”, an excitable Charity said.

“Sorry, I was as quick as I could be”.

“He moved his hand, Noah moved his hand”.

“That’s amazing news, what did the tests show”.

“Still waiting to hear but the fact he moved his hand is really positive”.

“This is the best news”, Vanessa replied passionately kissing Charity. “These are for you!” She said putting the flowers in front of her face, “ I’ve also got Noah’s favourite things, shall we decorate his room?”

“Yes, I’d love that”.

The pair decorated his room with family pictures, some of his favourite video games and last of all Moses had given Vanessa his favourite dinosaur to protect Noah from the baddies.

“Noah, sweetheart… Moses has given you dippy the dinosaur to protect you. He’s going to be beside you at all times ok”, Charity said placing dippy by Noah’s side. “Thank you for this, it looks at lot less like a hospital room now”.

“You are welcome. Right in that bag there are some clothes, go freshen up and change. I’m here I won’t leave his side, ok… I promise you”.

“Yeah I’ll go get changed. Oh if Joe pops his head around the door, let him in. He’s desperate to see Noah”.

“Are you sure? You hate the guy?”

“I know I do, but this wasn’t his false.”

“Okay, now go and take 5 minutes off.”

“Yes boss”, Charity joked.

Charity left to go and freshen up, take a break from staring at machines and grab them both a coffee. While Charity was gone Vanessa took the opportunity to talk to Noah.

“Hey Noah, it’s me Ness. How you doing? We’re all worried sick over here, it’s time to wake up so your mum can see that beautiful smile of yours. Plus you still owe me that video game lesson.” Vanessa said to Noah whilst caressing his cheek, she felt such a strong connection with Noah and she knew that they had so much more to do together.

*knock knock*

“Only me, can I come in?”, Debbie said.

Vanessa who was oblivious to the drama going on between Debbie and Charity replied, “of course”.

“Where’s mum?”

“She just popped out to freshen up and take a break, she won’t be long.”

“How’s he doing?”, Debbie asked.

“He moved his hand earlier, so that’s a positive sign”.

“Hey little bro, I miss you. Can you come home already please, Sarah says she has no one to tease. I’m so sorry Noah. I really am.”

“Debbie it’s not your fault, you didn’t know this was going to happen”, Vanessa said.

Before Debbie could reply Charity walks in the door, “Babe I got us a couple of coffees, I couldn’t remember if yours was a skinny one or…” Charity stopped mid sentence as she saw Debbie stood next to Noah. “You’re not welcome here”, she said in an angry tone.

“I know, but I wanted to come and see how Noah is?”

“Tough, you don’t get to see him. Not after what you’ve done”.

Vanessa stood there looking extremely confused.

“Mum please, I know what I did was unforgivable but i just wanted to see my little brother”.

“You are the reason he is lying in this bed in a coma. This is all your fault, now just get out and don’t come back”.

Debbie rushed out of the room with tears streaming down her face.

“What was all that about? Why is this her fault?”, Vanessa asked.

“I wish I could tell you, but I can’t. Just know she’s not welcome here”.

“Ok, but this isn’t her fault.”

“If I tell you something you have to promise me that you won’t tell a soul, not even Rhona.”

“I promise you, I won’t tell a soul. You can trust me ok?”

“I know. Ok… you might want to sit down”.

“That bad huh?”

“The night Debbie went awol, she visited home farm. She wanted revenge on Joe once and for all, so decided to tamper with his breaks.”

“The breaks?”

“Yeah and speaking to graham yesterday the breaks didn’t respond properly when he went to break which caused them to crash”.

“Wow, so basically what you are saying is the reason they crashed is Debbie”.

“Yeah, hence why I don’t want to see her, hear from her. I cant stand the sight of her. Why would she be so stupid? I mean I’m all for revenge but not when you are putting peoples lives at risk. I don’t know the person she’s turning into? I thought I brought her up to know better”.

“Hey, listen. This is not your fault, you would never do that to anyone, nor would you ever condone it. I cant believe she’s done this”.

“You can’t say anything. As much as I hate her right now, I don’t want her to go to prison. It’s the worst place in the world”.

“I won’t say a word. I promise you”, Vanessa replied. She couldn’t quite believe what she had just heard, she knew the dingles had a chequered past but she didn’t think that Debbie was capable of this. She knew that if she wanted a future with Charity she had to keep her mouth shut. “Going back to the coffees I’ll have which ever one you don’t want”.

“I can’t wait to have something stronger than coffee.”

“How about when Noah’s better and back at home, I take you for a nice romantic dinner and we drink lots and lots of wine. Then we can have lots of fun and lots of sex”, Vanessa said winking at her girlfriend.

“Careful what you say, Noah can hear everything remember”

“Oh yeah.. I mean we can have lots of fun and play rock.. paper.. scissors”.

“That’s my favourite game”.

“What time did the docs say they’d be back with Noah’s results?”

“In about half an hour, I pray something, anything has improved”.

“I’m sure it will have, especially if he squeezed your hand”.

“Is this a bad time?”, Graham said peering around the door.

“No, come in”.

Graham helped push Joe into the room, placing his close to Noah.

“Thank you for letting me come to see him, it means a lot”.

“You’re welcome, do you want some time alone?”

“Would that be ok? I just have some things I need to say to him”.

“Take your time, well go get a bite to eat. If anything happens you’ve got my number”

“Sure thing, enjoy”, Joe replied.

Vanessa and Charity left Graham and Joe with Noah. Charity could hear genuine remorse in Joe’s voice for what had happened to Noah, she felt like she owed him the opportunity to spend time with him.

“That was very nice of you, you know”, Vanessa said as she interlinked arms with her lover.

“I owe him. Yes he shouldn’t have picked up Noah without my permission but he thinks this is his fault and it’s not”.

“I’m proud of you, for being the bigger person”, she said kissing Charity.

Back in Noah’s room Joe is shocked at how understanding Charity is being, maybe he has got her all wrong. Maybe she’s not the monster he thought she was. Taking full advantage of the time he has with his little brother he starts by giving him the best hug he can with his broken arm and Noah being led down.

“Hey little bro, I’m so sorry that our adventure turned into a crash. I take full responsibility for your injuries and I promise you that when you wake up I will get you whatever video games or consoles you want. I wish we could rewind and stop you from getting in the car. I’d do anything to stop you getting hurt, but I’ve promised your mum that from now on we do everything through her. She loves you very much and we all want you to wake up so we can see that cheeky smile of yours”. Joe said trying to hold back the tears.

“That was very sweet of you Joe”, Graham said.

“Do you mind if we wait with him until Charity gets back?”

“Absolutely not”.

“He will wake up won’t he?”

“They seem very positive and he has age on his side, so yes I think he will”, Graham said trying to be as positive as he could be.

“I’m looking for Noah’s mum?”, Dr Noble said as he entered the room.

“She just popped out for some food, do you have news?”, Joe asked.

“We have some news yes, I’d rather wait for her return though”

“Graham do you think you could ring her”

“Yes I will do that now”, Graham said as he stepped out of the room in order to ring Charity. “Charity, the doctor has some news. He’s in Noah’s room now if you could pop back”.

Charity dropped everything and rushed back to Noah’s room. “I’m here, I’m here, so doc what’s this news”.

“Maybe somewhere private?” Dr Noble replied.

“No they can stay”

“So from the tests we took earlier we can see that the internal bleeding has stopped. His liver is responding well to the medication and hopefully all being well we can try and take him out of the coma tomorrow. Now he might not be ready to come out of it, but we will give it a shot”.

“I could bloody kiss you right now! This is the best news ever”, Charity said giving the doctor a hug.

“Like I said let’s not get too excited, but it’s progress and it’s all very positive. I’ll leave you guys to it”.

“Thank you Doctor”, Joe said.

“Yes thanks”, Charity added.

“This is the best news ever!” Vanessa said embracing Charity.

“We will leave you two to it! Thanks again for letting me see Noah”.

“You’re welcome” Charity responded.

Graham and Joe left the two love birds to celebrate.

“He’s going to be ok!” Vanessa said to Charity.

“I can’t believe it. The last day or so have been the worst of my life, but no matter what you were always there. I really don’t know what I did to deserve you but all I know is I am never letting you go. I love you”. Charity said grabbing onto Vanessa’s hand.

“You love me?” A surprised Vanessa said. Did Charity Dingle a woman who doesn’t do feelings just say those three words?

Chapter 20

Charity and Vanessa had both fallen asleep in the most awkward positions on the extremely uncomfortable hospital chairs. Vanessa woke to the sight of Charity asleep holding onto Noah’s hand, she decided to get a flannel and clean Noah’s face of the dried blood from his cuts. She also decided to try and give his hair a brush as she knew he’d want to be looking his best, as Vanessa brushed his hair Charity slowly woke.

“Morning, how did you sleep?”, Vanessa asked a sleepy Charity.

“Not great, the constant beeping was doing my head in. You manage to get any?”

“A little, but i was more worried about you getting some. I’ve given Noah’s face a good wash and brushed his hair the best I could. I know he’d want to look his best for when he has visitors”.

“Thank you, I appreciate you being here with me, well with us more than you’ll ever know”.

“I wouldn’t be anywhere else” Vanessa replied.

“Has the doctor been round yet?”

“Not yet, no. Do you want me to go find him?”

“It’s ok, he’ll be round eventually! You couldn’t do me a massive favour could you?”

“Yeah of course!”

“Can you head back to the pub and pack me some clothes and grab a few of Noah’s things to make him feel at home?”

“Of course I can, I need to go and sort Johnny out too. Ill be back as soon as I can, ok? If anything changes you ring me right away and I’ll come straight back!” Vanessa replied.

Embracing Vanessa, Charity kisses her on the cheek, “thank you. Ill see you in a bit”. Vanessa heads for the door, reluctantly leaving Charity alone, she waits outside the room for a couple of seconds just to make sure Charity was ok.

Moving her chair right up close next to Noah’s bed, Charity reaches for his hand, holding it tight, “Wake up sweetheart, mummy’s here. I’ll look after you”. Vanessa knew that Charity was really struggling, but was putting a brave face on.

“I’m not angry with you for seeing Joe, when you wake we can sort out a schedule for when you two can hang out! Would you like that? I should never have stopped you from seeing him, I’m sorry, you hear me… I’m sorry. Just wake up”. Charity said to Noah hoping that he can hear every word she’s saying.

***

Arriving back at Tug Ghyll a very tired Vanessa opens the door to see her little boy playing with her dad. After the events of the last 24 hours she couldn’t be happier to see her boy safe and happy, “hello little man, mummy’s home”, she said rushing over to Johnny to give him the biggest hug ever.

“Mummy your squeezing me too tight”.

“Sorry sweetheart, I just missed you so much”.

“How’s Noah?” Frank asked.

“No change, Charity’s besides herself. I’m trying to be strong but it’s so hard to see him just lay there motionless”.

“It must be horrendous, just keep being there for her. Teenie, Megan and I will look after Johnny for you, for as long as you need. You need to be there for Charity and Noah!”

“Would that be ok? Obviously I won’t be able to stay at the hospital all the time but will be a relief knowing Johnny is safe with you”.

“Absolutely! Johnny you going to come stay with grandad for a few days while mummy looks after Charity?”

“Can we play dinosaurs?”, johnny asked waving his dinosaur around.

“Of course we can, shall we go pack a bag?”

“Ok”, Johnny said following his Grandad upstairs.

Taking the time to finally sit down and just breathe Vanessa let out a big sigh, she couldn’t quite believe what had happened. As she sat there thinking about things her eyes filled with tears, she didn’t know how Charity was being so strong, if that was Johnny she’d be inconsolable. Wiping the tears away she composed herself before Johnny returned from packing his bag.

“You all ready? Come here little man. I’m sorry I haven’t been around as much lately. But you know I love you to the moon and back”.

“I love you too mummy”, johnny replied giving his mum a big sloppy kiss.

“I’ll come and see you tomorrow, I’ll miss you!”

“Don’t worry Teenie, we will take good care of him. See you later, give Charity our best wishes”.

“Thanks dad, will do”. Vanessa felt like she was being a bad mother loading Johnny off with her dad, but she knew that she had to be a rock for Charity at her time in need. She found comfort in the fact that Johnny loved spending time with his grandad and was young enough to forget about a few days without his mum.

Vanessa quickly hopped in the shower, put on some fresh clothes, packed a few clothes into a bag and made herself a coffee to go.

***

Doctor Noble was on his way to speak to Charity about any updates on Noah’s condition, “Good morning, I hope you managed to get a few hours sleep! These chairs aren’t the comfiest things”.

“You’re telling me! So any update on Noah?”, Charity asked.

“His condition is still the same, but the fact it hasn’t got worse is a very good sign. We are going to do a series of tests and a scan to see how things are doing internally. As soon as he starts to show improvement we will take him out of his coma”.

“So the tests should show you if he’s improved or not?”.

“Yes, we will start to run them immediately”.

“Thank you Doctor”.

“We will need you to wait in the waiting room while the tests are being done, if that’s ok?”

“Yeah that’s fine just take care of my boy”, Charity said squeezing Noah’s hand one last time before leaving to wait in the waiting room.

“Hello Noah, I’m Dr Noble. We are just going to be doing a few tests ok”, he said reassuring Noah.

Charity grabbed herself a coffee to try and give her a hit of energy before making herself comfortable in the waiting room.

“Charity? How’s Noah?” Joe asked nervously.

“No change, still in a coma. The doctors are in there now running some tests”.

“I’m so sorry, I know you will blame me for this, but I truly never meant for this to happen. I just wanted to spend time with my little brother”.

Charity desperately wanted to be angry with Joe and blame him for everything that has happened but she knew the only thing he was guilty of was wanting to spend time with Noah, all be it behind her back. “Look it was an accident, it was no ones fault. But next time you want to see Noah, tell me first please”.

Shocked that Charity hadn’t ripped him apart, Joe responded “of course. I promise. Would it be ok to come and see him later when the doctors have finished?”

“I’m sure he would love to see you. Remember to talk to him, he can hear everything you say”.

“Thank you. I’ll leave you to it. But if there is anything you need let me or Graham know! Ok?”

Deciding to put the past in the past for Noah’s sake Charity agrees.

***

Walking into the pub, Vanessa was bombarded with questions asking how Noah was.

“Any news on Noah?”, Diane asked.

“How’s the little man doing?”, Nicola added.

Addressing everyone in ear shot, “last I heard his condition hadn’t deteriorated which is good news, they were going to run some tests to see if there is any sign of improvement”, Vanessa announced to the pub. “I’d love to stay and chat but need to grab a few things and head back to the hospital”.

“Give them both our love, we are all thinking of them”, Nicola replied.

“Will do”, Vanessa replied as she made her way into the back. “Debbie, you couldn’t help me pick a few of Noah’s things to take back to the hospital could you?”

“Vanessa, hi! How is he? Any change? Yeah I’ll grab some things for him! How’s mum?”, Debbie said nervously.

“No change yet, but he hasn’t got any worse so that’s good! Charity is dealing with things well on the outside but deep down I think she’s struggling. That’s why I want to get back quickly”.

“Do you think she’ll be up for visitors?”

“Possibly yeah, your her daughter I’m sure she’d love to see you”, Vanessa said disappearing upstairs to get Charity some clothes.

“I doubt that”, Debbie muttered to herself as she gathered some of Noah’s things.

“Right, I’ve got some things for them both, shall I let Charity know you will be visiting later?”, Vanessa asked.

“No, don’t get her hopes up just incase I cant”, Debbie replied.

“Ok, well thanks and if I hear any new news I’ll let you know”. Vanessa said making her way to her car ready to go back to the hospital.

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.

Chapter 18

Trying to keep herself busy Charity decided to cook breakfast for everyone, as much as she despised Joe she never wanted Debbie to tamper with his car. She couldn’t quite believe that Debbie would stoop so slow especially when it could put others in danger.

“What’s this?” Noah said as he walked into see breakfast on the table.

“Morning babe, just thought I’d treat everyone to a nice breakfast”.

“But you never cook breakfast, what’s happened?”

“Nothing, can’t a mother treat her sons”.

“I guess. Is it ok if I get the bus home from school today? Only there’s a video game club happening after school today.”

“Of course, just text me and let me know when you are on your way home ok?”

“Thanks, will do.”

“Get stuck in then, there’s plenty to go around. You too Sarah come and get some breakfast. Where’s your mum?” Charity said.

“She said she had something to take care of”, Sarah replied.

Noah and Sarah finished off their breakfast before getting ready to head to school, “have a good day kiddos”, Charity said as the pair headed off to school.

“Something smells nice?” Chas asked as she walked in from a night at Paddy’s. “Charity Dingle cooking breakfast, what’s happened?”

“Nothing you need to worry about!”

“I was joking, but you clearly weren’t. What’s happened?”

“Debbie”

“What about Debbie?”

“She tampered with Joe’s breaks on his car”

“You are joking right?”

“I wish I was”.

“If anything happens she’ll go down for murder”.

“Yes I know that Chas, you don’t need to remind me. They went to try and sort it last night but the car had gone.”

“What do you mean gone?”

“As in it wasn’t there”.

“This is bad, this needs to get sorted”.

“I know, I’m on it ok.” Charity replied.

“Where is she now?”

“If I knew that I wouldn’t be stood here talking to you.”

“Well go then, go find her and sort this. I’ll open up”.

Charity grabbed her coat and went to find Debbie to find out how she was going to sort this problem. She jumped in her car and headed towards Cain and Moira’s place to see what his plan was to help Debbie.

When she arrived she saw that Debbie’s car was already there which meant that they had already started planning things. Bursting through the door without knocking Charity enters, “you two better have a plan”.

“Ever heard of knocking”, Moira replied.

“There’s no time for knocking, have you two got a plan.”

“We’re heading back tonight, hoping that the car is back. We will replace the breaks and forget any of this ever happened” Cain said calmly.

“And what if it’s not there?” Charity replied.

“Then we fake a letter saying that Joe’s car needs to go to a garage as there’s a product recall or something”.

“You really think that Joe Tate would choose to use your garage? Great plan, I didn’t even know why I was worried”.

“You’re sarcasm is not needed right now Mum”, Debbie added.

“Oh I’m sorry Debs, I don’t really need any of this right now, but guess what I don’t have a choice”.

“Both of you pack it in now.” An angry Cain shouted. “Look we will sort this Charity, ok! But we don’t need you faffing about and getting in the way. So please leave us to it and we will let you know when everything is sorted”.

“Fine, but when this all goes tits up don’t expect me to bail you both out”. Charity replied as she slammed the door on her way out.

***

Chas who had a worried look covering her face opened up the pub for lunch time rush, she was keeping one eye on her phone and the other on the door waiting for any news. She’d been in situations before with Debbie where she had acted before thinking, she knew that Debbie had a mean streak.

“Hello, glass of wine please Chas? Hello?” Rhona said talking to Chas who looked a million miles away. “Earth to Chas?”

“Oh Sorry, was away with the fairies.”

“No worries, everything ok?”

“Yeah, just the usually Dingle drama. The usual?”

“Yes please.”

“How are things with Pete?”

“Yeah really good, taking things slowly but I really like him”.

“I’m really glad, I’m happy for you Rhona”, Chas replied as an angry Charity walked through the door. “I best go check everything’s ok”.

“What happened?”, Chas asked Charity.

“They’ve got it under control apparently, they don’t need my interference”.

“Ok, so we wait to hear that they’ve sorted it! Until then we act like normal”.

“Yeah I guess, let me nip for a quick shower and I’ll be down to help. Didn’t get chance this morning and well had some fun last night so feeling rather dirty” Charity said winking at a Chas.

“Stop, too much information. Just go and come help when your ready”.

***

Charity was beginning to become a bit anxious as she hadn’t received from Noah saying that he had got on the bus after his gaming club. She wanted to ring him but she also wanted to give him that bit of independence to show that she trusted him.

“Chas, Noah hasn’t messaged to say he’s on the bus yet, do you think I should give him a text?”

“What time did his club finish?”

“About 15 minutes ago”.

“He should be home any minute I wouldn’t worry too much”.

“You’re right, I’m just panicking.”

Trying to take her mind off of Noah she decides to go and collect the empty glasses from the pub. Noah still hadn’t arrived back by the time she had finished collecting the glasses so she decided to wipe down the tables too. Deciding enough was enough she rings Noah, it rings and rings but no one picks up.

*Noah please let me know where you are, I’m beginning to worry. Ring me please*

“Chas something’s happened I can feel it, why isn’t he picking up his phone.”

“I wish I knew, was Samson going to this club with Noah. Why don’t you check to see if he is home?”

“Good idea”.

Searching frantically through her phone to find Sam’s number Charity began to shake. “Sam, it’s Charity. Did Samson go to that gaming club after school?”

“He did Yeah…”

“And he’s home?”

“Yeah he got back about 20 minutes ago, why?”

“Noah’s not home and I’m worried.”

“Samson said that Joe Tate picked him up from school just as the bus was leaving”.

“Joe Tate, picked him up”, a panicked charity dropped her phone, she could breathe.

“Charity… hello Charity”, Sam said as he didn’t now Charity had dropped her phone.

Chas rushed over to Charity, “what’s happened, what’s wrong?”

“Joe…”

“What about Joe?”

“He picked up Noah.. in the car”.

“The car?”

“Yep, and he’s not home. Somethings happened”.

“Breathe just breathe”, chas said trying to keep Charity calm. “Rhona can you ring home farm for me please?”

“Uhh.. yeah sure”, reaching for her phone Rhona rang Home farm. “There’s no response, do you want me to keep trying?”

“Yes please”.

“Where my boy Chas?” A worried Charity quietly said.

“I don’t know, but he’s going to be ok”. Taking herself away from Charity for a second Chas rings her brother. “Cain you and Debbie need to get here now, Joe Tate picked Noah up from school. He isn’t home and isn’t picking up his phone. You better hope and pray nothing has happened to him”.

Chas headed back to Charity who was beside herself with worry. “Rhona any luck?”

“No still no answer, do you want me to try Joe’s mobile? I’m sure someone will have it. I’ll go find jimmy, he’ll have his number”.

“Thanks”.

“I want my boy Chas, I want him here with me”.

“I know, we’ll find him. He’s probably somewhere having some food, or shopping for another expensive present”. Chas said trying to be optimistic.

In rushed Cain and Debbie, “any news?”

Shaking her head Chas replied, “nothing”.

“Mum, Noah will be fine I promise you”.

“Don’t touch me Debs, if anything has happened to my boy I will never ever speak to you again. How could you be so stupid!”.

“Look we don’t know that anything has happened yet, we got to stay positive”. Cain said trying to keep the peace.

“Don’t tell me what to do Cain. I cant sit here waiting to hear or waiting for Noah to walk through that door. I need to go look for him”.

“I’ll come with you”, Debbie replied.

“I don’t want you anywhere near me”, Charity angrily replied as she walked towards the door. She was stopped in her tracks as the police walked in, “Were looking for Charity Dingle?”

“That’s me?”

“It’s about your son, Noah”

Chapter 17

The pair couldn’t keep their hands off one another whilst making their way up to Charity’s room, banging into the wall in their haste.

“Ouch”, Vanessa yelled as Charity accidentally pushed her into the wall.

“Sorry babe, can’t exactly see what I’m doing with your face attached to mine”, she mumbled.

They eventually reached the bedroom, Charity ripped off Vanessa shirt ripping off a button or two in the process.

“That’s my favourite shirt!” Vanessa said.

“I’ll sew them back on”.

With their tongues tied, Charity grabs Vanessa around the waist and pulls her in tight. Charity kneels, undoing Vanessa’s trousers and sliding them down her legs. Sliding her hand into Vanessa’s lingerie, Charity prepares to show Vanessa exactly what her hands are capable of. This leading to Vanessa letting out a loud moan, as Charity continued the moaning became louder and louder.

“There… right there”, Vanessa shouted.

Pushing Vanessa onto the bed Charity decided to give her hand a break and move on to giving her tongue a work out. With Vanessas breathing becoming faster and faster Charity knew she was hitting the right spot. Moments later Vanessa shouted “I’m coming”, as her body shook in pleasure.

Licking her lips a gleeful Charity asked “enjoy that babe?”.

Vanessa couldn’t find the words, she just lay there and nodded at her girlfriend with a huge grin on her face. Once Charity had made her way onto the bed, Vanessa immediately climbed on top of her.

“Don’t move” said Vanessa with authority.

To ensure Charity couldn’t move Vanessa pinned her down, looking into Charity’s eyes she passionately kisses her before moving her way down. Unzipping Charity’s suit trousers Vanessa sensually inserted her hand down into her knickers ready show Charity a good time.

Laying there getting their breath back Charity decides to bring up a conversation she had earlier with Sarah, “so what’s this about Sarah being a bridesmaid at our wedding?” She asked turning to face Vanessa.

A blushing Vanessa replied, “oh she told you about that ey?”.

“She did, she told me you’d also let her pick her own dress, I mean that’s brave of you. She has questionable taste in fashion.”

“I just wanted her to like me, I mean it’s not like there’s going to be a wedding anytime soon is there… if at all”.

“Anytime soon?”

“You know what I mean, it’s a figure of speech. I know your not a mrs and mrs person don’t worry” Vanessa replied trying to cover her tracks.

“Figure of speech? I’ve never heard of it before, are you saying you’d want to marry me one day?” Charity teased.

“Well… if we were still together and the timing was right then yes I don’t see why not.

Charity was stopped in her tracks as there was loud banging down stairs, who could it possibly at this time of the morning. Were they being broken into? Or was it Debbie returning home?

“What was that?” A worried Vanessa asked.

“I have no idea, stay here.” Charity said protecting her girlfriend.

“Be careful.”

“Will do”.

Charity quietly made her way downstairs to see what the hell was going on. She heard movement in the bar, she crept over to the light switch, turning it on to find Debbie covered in a thick black liquid swigging whiskey straight from the bottle.

“Debs where the hell have you been? What are you covered in?” A concerned Charity asked.

“The less you know the better!”, Debbie replied downing the whiskey.

“What have you done? You better start talking young lady?”

“Let’s just say that smug smile will soon be wiped off Joe Tates face”.

“What do you mean?”

“I may or may not have tampered with his car breaks”.

“DEBBIE!” A furious Charity replied. “Please tell me you are joking?”

“No, he’s taken things too far with this family. He nearly ruined my life”.

“That doesn’t mean you can mess with his breaks. Call your father immediately”

“It’s the middle of the night!”

“Either you call him or I will”

“Alright I’ll call him”.

While Debbie called Cain, Vanessa came downstairs to check everything was ok. “Pssst” Vanessa whispered, “Everything ok?

“Yeah it’s just Debbie, she’s had a few too many drinks”.

“Want me to go?”

“No, stay here. I’ll be up as soon as I’ve sorted her out. Hopefully won’t be long”, Charity said kissing her girlfriend goodnight, Vanessa headed back upstairs.

“Who was that?” Debbie asked.

“Just Vanessa! So what did Cain say?”

“He’s on his way here now”.

“Good maybe he can knock some sense into you”. Charity didn’t take her eye off Debbie as they both waited for Cain to arrive.

“Debbie what the hell have you done?” Cain said walking into the pub.

“I did what should have been done weeks ago. Ive tampered with the breaks on his car, I haven’t cut them but they will soon wear away”.

“You’re kidding me? Joe is not the only man to use that car, Graham uses it, Ross has used it and even Jimmy. Why would you be this stupid?” An angry Cain replied.

“Not only that the car could drive into another car with god knows who in it” Charity added.

“You’ve got to sort this Debbie before somebody gets hurt”.

“Alright, we can head back there now and fix them. But I’m a little drunk so you’ll have to help” Debbie slurred.

“You’ve got to do whatever it takes to sort this Cain, promise me?”

“Yep I promise, Right lets go before this gets out of hand”. Cain responded.

An angry and disappointed Charity headed upstairs to try and get some sleep. Being as quiet as she could, she crept back into bed trying her hardest not to wake a sleeping Vanessa.

“All sorted?” Vanessa said half asleep.

“Yeah, don’t worry go back to sleep”, Charity said cosying up to Vanessa.

***

Elsewhere Cain and Debbie were on their way back to home farm to try and sort out the mess Debbie had made.

“Why did you do this Debs?”

“I’m fed up with him hurting my family”.

“There are other ways Deb. Ones that won’t result in death or serious injury”.

“Maybe I wasn’t thinking but I was so angry”.

“Look it will be fine once we have sorted his breaks”.

They parked up the car far enough away from the house so it was out of sight, they grabbed the tools and headed for the car.

“Where’s the car?” Cain asked.

“It was right there… in front of that window”.

“Well it’s not there now is it! They must have an early work call or something.”

“What we gonna do dad?”

“We have to hope and pray that nothing happens today and well have to come back every night until we manage to sort this mess”.

“I’m sorry.”

“You have to use your brain before you do stupid things like this in the future. I won’t always be here to bail you out you know”.

“I know, I promise I’ll be more sensible from now on”.

“Right lets get you home”.

Cain dropped Debbie back off at the Wool Pack, where she headed for a shower and for a couple of hours sleep.

***

Vanessa woke early as she wanted to be at home for when Johnny woke as she knew she hadn’t been the best mother recently. She left a note next to a sleeping Charity which read *Morning, hope all is ok this morning. I’ll speak to you later xoxo*.

Charity woke hoping to hear that everything had all been sorted last night and they had fixed the breaks on Joes car. After reading the note Vanessa left she made her way downstairs to find out what happened last night.

“Did you sort things?”

“Not really?”

“What do you mean not really? You either did or didn’t Deb, it’s a pretty simple question”.

“The car wasn’t there.”

“What do you mean the car wasn’t there?”

“It had gone, they must be using it for a business meeting or something?”

“You better hope nothing happens today, fix this Debbie. Fix it”.

“I will, I promise”.