Platform 10 - EE fic

[Torrie]

I don't want to give away too much at the start, but I started writing this a long time ago so it's set some time after New Year '04 - the crash in Scotland, Barry's death and all that. While many of Walford's residents will pop up, it revolves mainly around a new family in the Square - the Saunders, who own and run the nightclub, Platform 10 (the club was mentioned, but I don't think we ever heard who ran it, etc.) - the only local competition for Angie's Den. With new relationships, friendships and rivalries to be forged, dark secrets from the past are sure to cause excitement as the family try to settle in amongst the Albert Square regulars ...


Platform 10

1.
It was another day on the Square and much the same as any other - the sky was grey overhead and, while it wasn't raining yet, it was certainly threatening to do so. However, in spite of that, the market traders were up early, setting out their stalls and chatting to each other as they did so. Mickey Miller, not usually known for his punctuality or readiness for hard graft, was already unloading some stock from boxes and shivering from the cold - the day had only begun and he was already looking forward to quitting time! He looked up just in time to see Tariq approach and set down the box he was carrying.

"Hey, Mickey, man!" called Tariq, "How's it goin'?"

"Alright, yeah - you?"

"You know me - just tryin' to find some more gigs for Ronny ..." said Tariq, making Mickey shake his head.

"Tariq, give it up, man - he ain't interested. Why you gotta keep pushin'? It ain't like he appreciates it or nothin'!" exclaimed Mickey.

"You let me worry about that." said Tariq, firmly dismissing Mickey's words. "Anyways, I wanted to know if you'd heard anything about this new club that's opening soon - I was thinkin' if you had some contacts like you usually do, maybe you could help swing some kinda deal for Ronny to dj there ..."

Mickey frowned slightly - he hadn't heard anything about this club, but it was not like him to not be the first with all the info so he didn't give that away.

"Oh, yeah, yeah - that club ... Erm … what's it called again?" he tried, "I 'ear so much, ya know - keep gettin' mixed up ..."

"Platform 10, innit?" said Tariq, "Meant to be a heck of a place - ain't gonna do Angie's Den any favours, that's for sure! So, you reckon you can sort it?"

"I'll see what I can do ..." he said vaguely, but with a convincing grin. Inwardly though, he was already trying to figure out how he would pull this off.

Tariq nodded and headed off, while Mickey turned his attention back to his stall.

"Mickey!"

He sighed and wondered who was looking for him now before turning to find Kelly smiling brightly at him.

"Hey, Kels!" he said, "What can I do for ya?"

"I was just thinkin' we should have some kinda big night out - make up for Scotland, now that Zo's a bit steadier on her crutches!" laughed Kelly, "Thought I'd mention it, see what ya think ..."

"Yeah? Well, I'm up for it!" he grinned, "So where we headin' this time - I ain't drivin' though!"

Kelly laughed and pretended to heave a sigh of relief. "Actually, that's why I had to talk to you first - there's this new place and, with you always bein' able to get your hands on cheap stuff, I thought maybe you could get us cheap tickets to the opening night ..." She smiled hopefully as she looked up at him and he inwardly groaned - what was it about this new place?!

"Uh, yeah - Platform 10." he said, looking knowledgeable. "I'll see what I can do."

"Cool - you're a star, Mickey!" grinned Kelly excitedly, "I'll go spread the word!"

He tried to catch her before she could leave, to tell her not to get the others' hopes up just yet, but it was too late and he had a customer needing served. He'd just have to hope he could manage to do as he had said – after all, he had a reputation to protect …

*

By lunchtime, Mickey still knew next to nothing about this new club. He had only been able to find out that it was opening in two days time - information that was not exactly helpful as it meant he only had two days to get tickets and try to get Ronny a gig there. Even though he’d technically already had his lunch, he found someone to watch his stall and headed off to the Vic for a break, trying to think of a plan the whole time. As far as putting in a word for Ronny was concerned, he wasn't too worried - he could just tell Tariq he had tried, but they were already booked up and would consider him in the future. But as for the tickets - that was going to be a problem. He started to count up how many he would need and sighed - there was Kelly and Zoë, Tariq, Ronny and Kareena, Gus, Martin, Sonia, Spencer, Vicki ... and himself, of course; if he could pull this off, he certainly wasn't going to leave himself out! That meant he needed to somehow wangle eleven tickets in two days!

"Pint, please, Alfie." he sighed,

"Mickey, son, why the long face? You'll be puttin' my customers off their drinks!" grinned Alfie cheerily.

Mickey shrugged and was about to answer him when he spotted a pile of fliers sitting on the bar. He lifted one and examined it, groaning as he saw it was advertising Platform 10's opening night in silvery scrawling text against a black and deep wine coloured background. How come everyone seemed to know about this place but him?!

"Hey, Alfie - how come yer advertising for the opposition?" he asked casually, waving the flier at the landlord.

"Huh? Oh yeah, those - nah, it ain't a problem, is it, mate? I don't think they're gonna be stealin' too many of our customers - Angie's Den will have more to worry about, eh?" said Alfie as he served another customer.

"Who left 'em 'ere?" asked Mickey, trying not to seem too interested.

"Just someone who works at the club ... 'Ere, Kat, what was the name again?" he called.

"What?" she said, coming over to see what he was talking about and slipping an arm around his waist. "Oh right, the new club - Charlie, weren't it? Like me dad ... Yer rubbish with names, ain't ya?" she teased her new husband before kissing him lightly.

Mickey rolled his eyes as the newlyweds seemed to forget about the packed bar around them and grinned - at least he was a little further forward now.

"Cheers, Alfie!" he said, turning to his drink as he wanted to get away as quickly as possible. He'd have to get someone to watch the stall a little longer and then he could go see a bloke about some tickets …

*

to be continued...

[Torrie]

2.
Outside Angie's Den was deserted - hardly surprising since it was still quite early in the morning, but not nearly early enough for the last of the patrons from the night before to be finding their way home. In fact, there was only one person around, standing in the shadows and looking with interest at the club.

"So this is the competition ..." the stranger said slowly in a low voice, before turning on his heel and strolling away dismissively. “Well, well … we’ll see about that …”

*

Meanwhile, at the Watts's flat, Sharon, Dennis and Vicki were having breakfast and discussing the family business.

"I still say it's not fair!" complained Vicki as she munched her toast, "We were here first - some other club can't just waltz in and set up practically next door!"

"Now, Vicki, it's hardly next door." said Sharon rationally, "And they can set up wherever they want - we don't own the Square!"

"But two clubs in the same Square is too many - it's going to be sooo bad for business! This place is hardly the West End …" argued her younger sister, "You can't just let this happen!"

"There ain't much I can do about it, now is there?" Sharon said calmly, "And I honestly don't see what all the fuss is about - I've checked the books and we're doing better than ever. We can handle a little friendly competition, it's really not a problem ..."

"Dennis, tell her!" exclaimed Vicki, throwing up her hands in exasperation.

"Oh no you don't!" said Dennis, shaking his head as he poured more coffee, "Don't expect me to get stuck in the middle of you two squabbling! But for what it's worth, I reckon we should wait this one out - see how their management wants to play it. If they don't step on any toes, we put up with the competition ... If they start throwing their weight around - well, we make things ... difficult ... for them. Sharon's right, Vicki; no point getting too worked up about it at this stage ..."

Vicki merely sat back in her chair with a look of disgust on her face, clearly not agreeing with her elder siblings.

"Whatever." she snapped, "You can go roll out the red carpet for this new lot, but I'm not gonna play friendly neighbours with the people who are going to try putting us out of business. I thought you two would be the first to see that they're gonna be trouble!"

*

Having finished his lunch in the Vic, Mickey hurried to check up on his stall and make sure someone would cover for him for a bit longer. Luckily for him, some of the other traders owed him some favours and between them, they would watch the stall for the rest of the day if necessary - he only had to be back in time to close up so he had plenty of time to try to track down this "Charlie", whoever he was. He decided to head down by the new club to check things out there and see if there was anyone around. Surely if they were opening in two days time, the staff would be there getting everything sorted out?

*

While Mickey was making his way to the premises of Platform 10, plans were also under way in the Mitchell household. Sam and Minty were sitting at the kitchen table, poring over a hastily sketched layout of Angie's Den and considering their options.

"So it's settled then?" asked Sam anxiously, "We do this?"

"Yeah, yeah; no worries." nodded Minty, "But if we're gonna do it, we do it properly - no more messing about. We take our time and make sure everything is planned, we can't take any chances 'ere, Sam - if this goes belly up ... we're goin' down for a stretch. And a long one at that!"

"Don't!" shuddered Sam, "Don't remind me! When I think of everything that could go wrong ..."

"Well, that's the idea, innit? We think of everythin' that could go wrong and then make sure it don't!" grinned Minty, "The Watts are gonna regret ever messin' with us!"

Sam merely smiled uneasily and turned back to their diagrams again - she wouldn't be happy until this was over with; until they were off the hook and Angie's Den was burned to the ground. And if the snooker hall just happened to go with it - oh well, that was what it was insured for after all ...

*

to be continued...

[di marco]

this is really good, cant wait for the next part

[Torrie]

Thanks di marco - glad ya like it! :D

3.
Outside Platform 10, Mickey watched as the suppliers delivered the alcohol and a couple of solidly built guys who looked like they should be bouncers helped unload it. While the club was not yet open for business, it was clear that the staff were around in preparation for the big opening night. Wondering how to find the person he was looking for and how to go about getting the tickets he needed, he strolled around the side of the club, only to bump into a man coming the other way.

"Hey, watch it!" came the sharp order even as Mickey tried to apologise.

"Sorry, mate, didn't see ya there!" Mickey said amicably, "Ya wouldn't happen to know where I could find ..."

"Listen, kid, take a hike!" said the man, cutting him off instantly. "I ain't got time for this - I got a business to run here."

"Yeah? Are you ..."

"You deaf or just thick? I said beat it or I'll have you done for trespassing!"

"On the public street?!" said Mickey sceptically, wondering what exactly was ticking this guy off so much.

"Don't you get smart with me! Now get outta here - we don't need your sort loitering about!"

Before Mickey could protest, the man had pushed him roughly out of the way and strode off, leaving him swearing under his breath.

"They ain't the friendliest lot around!" Mickey muttered to himself, beginning to think this just wasn't worth the hassle. He jammed his hands into his pockets and glanced around once more before starting to head back to the market place. However, he stopped when he saw someone else emerge from the club and wondered if he should keep pushing his luck. He inwardly shook his head and was about to keep walking when the person turned around and his interest picked up.

The girl was talking to one of the delivery men and Mickey took the opportunity to get a good look at her. She was dressed in faded blue jeans and a simple pink t-shirt, with her long dark hair secured back from her face in two French plaits - she looked about Mickey's age and he realised just how pretty she was when she laughed merrily at some joke of the delivery man as she signed for the delivery. Mickey grinned optimistically - maybe he stood a better chance getting some information from her and if not ... well, it'd still give him an excuse to introduce himself! He straightened his coat and strolled over with a smile, confident things were finally going to go his way.

*

Sam and Minty were still focused on their plans to torch both Angie's Den and the snooker club, killing two birds with one stone. They knew that if they could pull this off successfully, they could claim the necessary insurance money to renovate the snooker hall and they would definitely enjoy seeing the Watts' business go up in smoke - literally! Sam, however, was still not confident and was currently ranting to Minty about anything and everything that could cause their plan to backfire.

"Sam, Sam, Sam," sighed Minty, "Calm down! It's gonna take a bit of time, but we will do this ..."

Suddenly, they heard the sound of the front door opening and Billy marched into the kitchen with a determined look on his face.

"I'm in." he said simply.

"You what?" asked Sam, not quite sure what he meant.

"We can see yer in ..." shrugged Minty.

"The plan, idiot - although if you're the brains of this outfit, maybe I shouldn't bother!" snapped Billy, "Look, I know that club like the back of me hand and I know how to turn off the alarms - I'll be in and out before anyone knows anything about it."

"Are you sure, Billy?" asked Sam seriously, "Cos if you get cold feet in the middle of this and screw it up ..."

"I ain't gonna screw up and I've got the perfect chance - there's a new club openin' the night after next so Angie's Den'll probably be deserted ..."

"That's too soon!" said Minty quickly, shaking his head.

"Nah, it ain't - we gotta take this chance now; it's the best one we're gonna get. Listen, here's my plan ..."

*

to be continued...

[di marco]

great again. wonder how mickey gets on with the new girl?

[Torrie]

4.
"Kat!" called Alfie, trying his best to be patient and keep his cool, "A word, please, darlin'."

"Yeah, babe?" she smiled, as she finished pulling a pint and joined him at the other end of the bar.

"Listen, about Mr. Eastend Gangsta upstairs - I don't want ya to think I don't get why yer helpin' him, but uh ... why is that again?" he asked.

"Oh, Alfie, c'mon - after what we did to 'im, it's the least we can do!" exclaimed Kat, "Andy ... well, he ain't doin' any 'arm, is he!"

"Well, nah ... but all the same, Kat - him bein' 'ere ain't exactly ideal. How long is he gonna be sleepin' in our marital bed exactly?" complained her husband.

"I dunno, do I?!" she said, holding up her hands, before winking at him suggestively, "It won't be too long though and ... I promise I'll make it up to ya ..."

Alfie sighed in defeat and then allowed a little smile to tug at the corner of his mouth as she grinned at him in mock innocence over her shoulder - she had him wrapped around her little finger, and she knew it!

*

"Hey there!" smiled the girl as she saw Mickey approach and he grinned back - it seemed his day was looking up at last.

"Hey!" he greeted her, "Ya work 'ere, do ya?"

"Yeah, we open in a couple of days - make sure ya check the place out!" she grinned, "Sorry, any excuse for a bit of promotion!"

"No worries - that's actually kinda why I'm 'ere." Mickey said, taking a deep breath before launching into the speech he had just invented in his head. "I was wonderin' if Charlie was about - we go way back an' he owes me one so I was 'oping ..." He trailed off unsurely as he saw that the girl was trying to hold back a laugh. "What's so funny?" he asked, a little defensively.

"I gotta give ya credit for effort, but that line ain't gonna work on me!" she declared.

"What line?" he protested, but he already sensed she had him sussed, he just couldn’t figure out where he’d gone wrong …

"I guess I should introduce myself," she smiled, holding out her hand, "Charlie Saunders - or Charlene if that makes it clearer. My family owns this place ..."

*

to be continued...

[di marco]

great! didnt see it coming about charlie being a girl! cant wait to read what happens next

[Torrie]

5.
"Where have you been?" Vicki looked up from the newspaper she was reading to question her brother.

"Out." said Dennis, as usual not giving too much away, even to his little sister.

"Believe it or not, I'd actually figured that out for myself. Have you been down the club?" she persisted.

"Nah, not yet - I'm goin' there later. If you must know, I've been seeing what I can find out about this new place." he admitted.

Vicki nodded knowingly and looked a little smug, her words a statement rather than a question, "So you do agree with me - you think it's gonna cause a problem!"

"I didn't say that ..."

"Why else would you be checking them out?"

"No 'arm in knowing what you're up against, is there?" he defended himself, crossing his arms over his chest as he glared at her.

"And?!" she prompted impatiently.

"Look, there ain't much to tell, alright? Saunders - that's the family who owns it, but it's run by some guy, Harrison, and it opens ..."

"In two days time." finished Vicki for him, adding in a deliberately ominous sounding tone, "Yeah, I saw an ad in the paper – they’re going all out on the publicity front …"

"Well, you know as much as I do then." said Dennis, ignoring her attempt at foreseeing impending doom, "So stop worrying about it - Sharon ain't bothered an' I reckon she's right. We can handle this ..."

*

Outside Platform 10, Mickey shuffled his feet uncomfortably and gave the girl an embarrassed smile.

"Okaaay, didn't see that one comin'!" he said, with a nervous laugh. "I guess I should just get goin' before I dig meself into a bigger mess!"

She grinned and grabbed his arm as he turned to hurry away before he embarrassed himself any more.

"You should see the look on your face!" she giggled, "But hey, don't worry 'bout it - there's no need to rush off!" She smiled mischievously, "I'm intrigued now - we go way back apparently, so fill me in ..."

"I'm not gonna live this down, am I?" he groaned.

"Nope!" she grinned, but she didn't want to make him more uncomfortable so she tried to put him at ease again, although she couldn't resist still teasing him a little. "Do I at least get a proper introduction then? It's not really fair that you know my name but I don't know yours - especially when we're such old friends!"

Gaining a little of his usual confidence back as she at least wasn't telling him to get lost, Mickey grinned and shook the hand she held out to him again.

"Mickey Miller - an' ya must think I'm a right mug!" he said.

She tilted her head to one side and pretended to consider him thoughtfully before laughing again. "Nah, I don't think that - bit of a scammer though ... So how come ya were lookin' for me - or someone with the same name as me at least? Come on, ya might as well tell me!"

Reluctantly Mickey told her the truth and she nodded in understanding.

"So you are a scammer, but a decent bloke too," she said with a smile, "Going to so much trouble for your mates ..." She looked at him intently, as if trying to make up her mind about something and then shrugged. "What the hell, maybe we can come to some kind of agreement … I can at least hear ya out!"

"Yeah?" he said in surprise, "Yer serious?"

"Why not? And anyway, you'll owe me one then and it'd be good to have a mate round here!" she said with a little wink.

"Hey, no worries - ya need a favour, ya just let me know!" he agreed quickly but then stopped, thinking it might be better to know what kind of deal she was talking about before agreeing to anything. “What d’ya mean by agreement …?” he asked, a little warily – he’d seen too many scams, and pulled most of them himself, to be taken in.

“Oh, I dunno …” she said thoughtfully, “But I’m sure we can think of something …”

“I’m sure we can …” Mickey nodded, with a smile on his face as he watched her, pausing slightly before deciding he might as well push his luck a little further. "Umm … don't suppose ya fancy a drink, do ya? We could see what kind of deal we can come up with in the Vic …"

It was then Charlie's turn to look surprised, but she smiled and nodded. "Yeah, that'd be good ... And you could try convincing me to let this one drop too – don’t fancy your chances much though!"

*

"Alfie!" yelled Kat loudly, making him wince.

"Woah, woah, woah! Hey, where's the fire, darlin'?" exclaimed Alfie as she practically collided with him at the foot of the stairs.

"I just went to give Andy a cup of tea ..." she began.

"Awww, Kat, do ya really need to be runnin' after 'im all the time - he's a big boy now, let 'im make his own ..."

"He wasn't there, Alfie, was he?" she said, hands on hips. "Ya wouldn't 'appen ta know anythin' about that, would ya?"

"What? Oh now, come on - I don't like the guy, an' I like 'im even less when he's in our bed, but I ain't gotten rid of 'im!" Alfie declared with a laugh, "Don't be ridiculous, Kathleen - 'ow could little ole me make 'im leave?"

"Well, where is he then?" she asked impatiently, suddenly looking worried. "You don't think those thugs 'ave got their 'ands on 'im, do ya?"

"Course not!" said Alfie confidently, waiting until she had hurried off to look for Andy before saying under his breath, "I ain't that lucky!"

*

"Oi, any of you lot seen Charlene?" asked a man Mickey would not have been particularly anxious to bump into again.

It was none other than the manager of Platform 10, James Harrison, and if he had been in a bad mood when Mickey met him, it was nothing to the one he was in now. He was well aware that the place had to be ready to open in two days, but, in his opinion anyway, nothing was going to plan. The deliveries weren't exactly right, nor had they arrived when he had wanted them to; their first choice dj had just cancelled; the electrics were playing up and now, a member of his staff seemed to have disappeared.

"That girl seems to think her name buys her an easy ride around here - well, it's about time she got a wake up call." he growled, "Just cause her mother owns the place, she needn't think she's gonna do as she likes."

"In all fairness, boss, she was down 'ere at six this mornin' and she ain't had her lunch break ..." one of the guys put in. He was actually a member of the club's security team, but it was all hands on deck at the moment so he had been helping to sort the stock rooms all morning.

"We're all in the same position - what makes her special?" James snapped, conveniently overlooking that he had in fact stopped for lunch an hour ago and hadn't got a lot more done since then. "You see her, you tell her I'm looking for her. And she better have a damn good excuse ready!"

*

to be continued...

[di marco]

great as usual. wonder where andys gone? oh and i like your new signiture! :D

[Torrie]

Thanks di marco! :D

6.
"So lemme get this straight - yer gonna get me cheap tickets for all of us, an' extra free round of drinks, put in a word for Ronny an' all I gotta do is give ya the grand tour of Walford?!" said Mickey sceptically, taking a swig of his pint. "What's the catch?"

"No catch." said Charlie, leaning her elbows on the bar, "Look, it's no problem for me to do it. About your dj mate - the worst scenario is that they say no; there ain't no harm in asking and if he’s good, I’ll get credit for finding him! And the drinks - I do work behind the bar; if I can't get ya a free round, no one can! The actual tickets will be harder to swing, but I won't bother askin' Dani or James – James is manager and Dani, my sister, is management too but she has to answer to him. James would kill me, Dani would probably whinge and say no, but I'll go straight to the top. When my mum hears they're for some mates of mine, she'll be so pleased I'm settling in, she won't have any objections!"

"Okay, but it still don't seem like much to ask." said Mickey, for once not wanting to just take advantage of a good deal - he barely knew her, but he definitely liked this girl already. "I mean, it's Walford we're talkin' about - the grand tour takes all of ten minutes an' it ain't exactly excitin' stuff!"

"I just wanna settle in here, Mickey." she explained, "I'm sick of movin' around - I want this to be somewhere I can have a proper home and proper friends, and not just another stopgap until we move on again. It’s the bit I hate about moving somewhere new – not knowing anyone or anything … I mean, when I was younger, I thought it was fun – all the excitement of going somewhere different, ya know? But now … well, when you’re older, you just miss the stuff you left behind … If you really don't want to, it's okay ..." she added quickly, all of a sudden getting quite self-conscious and thinking that maybe he just didn't want to have to trail her around the Square, "I mean, it was just an idea - I'll still give ya the tickets an' we can work somethin' out ..."

"Nah, it ain't that!" he protested quickly. Perhaps a little too quickly, in his rush to make sure this deal didn't fall through - this was the perfect chance to get to know her better, see if she'd be interested in maybe finding more than just a friend ... Plus, while he had started to envy her a little for getting to travel around and work in cool clubs, he could see from the look on her face that it wasn’t all fun. "Ya got yerself a deal!" he grinned, shaking hands with her again.

*

That evening, Sam was at home waiting for Billy and Minty to arrive so they could go over their plans again. She heard a knock at the door and rolled her eyes - they both had keys, why couldn't they remember them? She threw open the front door impatiently and then stopped in her tracks.

"Andy! What you doin' 'ere?" she asked, pleasantly surprised by the unexpected arrival of Kat and Alfie's not entirely welcome guest.

"Just thought I'd stop by - neighbourly, ya know?" he smiled mysteriously, "Not interrupting anything, I take it?"

"No, ya ain't - come in, come in." she smiled.

He had just stepped inside the door when Minty and Billy strode up to the door, making Sam groan inwardly. She waved them away with a frown and they stopped, looking puzzled. She smiled encouragingly at Andy and pointed into the living room.

"I won't be a second!" she said softly, before turning to glare at her associates. "This may be our chance to get some serious backing so make yourselves scarce for a while, right?"

Billy mumbled under his breath something about not being appreciated, while Minty just looked past Sam at Andy and turned away forlornly.

"Vic then?" he sighed to Billy.

"Looks like it."

*

As soon as Charlie arrived home from work and opened the door of her new home, she was greeted by her mother.

"And where did you get to this lunch time?" she was instantly asked as Carla Saunders hurried to question her youngest daughter. Her mother was hurriedly brushing her light brown hair, even as she spoke, and examining her reflection in the mirror in the hall. Only in her early forties, she was an attractive woman and she was obviously dressed for more than just a casual dinner with her family.

"Where are you off to?" asked Charlie, both curious and hoping to change the subject as she knew what her mother could be like.

"Meeting. And that doesn't answer my question." Carla smiled, also knowing her daughter too well.

"I had to eat, didn't I?" she said evasively, "And I went for a drink with a friend ..."

Her elder sister, Danielle, the assistant manager of Platform 10 strolled through the kitchen, also dressed up and laughed wryly.

"This is the girl who whinged about moving and not fitting in and leaving her friends behind - you've been here for less than a week and you're skiving work to go out with a friend!" she said, just a little bitterly. "With no thought for the rest of us, of course - James took it out on everyone else when you were nowhere to be found!"

"I worked my ass off today!" Charlie protested, "I'm paid as a bar tender, not a cleaner and definitely not a slave!"

"We all have to chip in at the minute, sweetheart." reminded her mother. "Dani, you ready to go?"

"Yeah, nearly - let me just get my bag." she answered, turning to her sister for a second as she paused in the doorway. "So, was he worth it?"

"Huh?" Charlie looked startled.

"This guy you were with - was he worth getting on James' bad side?"

"I never said it was a guy ..."

"You didn't have to!" said Dani with a knowing smile. "The look on your face says it all - I just don't think James would be so understanding and you should remember that!"

*

to be continued...

[Rach33]

This is ace babes I love both your scripts

[Torrie]

Thanks - glad ya like 'em! :D

7.
The next morning found the market busy as usual as the traders set out their stalls once more and people went about their business, sometimes pausing to greet a friend before hurrying on their way. Mickey was huddled inside his coat as he stood beside his stall, trying to hold back a tired yawn and look even semi-enthusiastic - unfortunately he wasn't doing too well with that ... or at least, he wasn't until he spotted one of the newest faces around the Square and perked up surprisingly quickly.

"Mornin'!" he called cheerily to the pretty brunette as she walked past him, obviously daydreaming and not paying much attention to her surroundings as she jumped at the sound of his voice.

"Oh hey, Mickey - sorry, I was miles away!" Charlie smiled apologetically, brushing aside a lock of hair which had fallen across her eye.

"Really? Anywhere nice - room for one more?" he asked, making her laugh.

"I dunno how ya stick it - these early starts and the cold and everything ..." she said, shivering and pulling her three-quarter length heavy coat tighter around her.

"Me either!" he agreed, "So 'ow's life in Walford treatin' ya - ya gettin' settled in okay?"

"I guess we're getting there," she told him, "Although our house is still filled with half-unpacked boxes ..."

"It's bound ta take a while. So whatcha doin' up and about so early?"

"Gotta go into the club for a bit this morning - more preparations for tomorrow night. At least I'm not in all day though ..."

Mickey nodded thoughtfully, considering what she had said and wondering if he should make a suggestion. Deciding that at worst she could only say no, he went ahead.

"If yer free later, 'ow d'ya fancy that tour of Walford?" he asked, trying to sound unconcerned about the answer, but secretly hoping she wouldn't turn him down. "I mean, if ya got other plans ..."

"Hey, I'm new round here, remember? All my plans involve hours of unpacking - definitely not exciting stuff and nothing that can't wait. If you've got the time, I'd like that ..." she said, with a little, almost shy, smile.

"Alright then - I'll meet ya in the Vic around ... say, seven? Fill ya in on all the local goings on!" he grinned.

"Guess I'll see ya there then!" Charlie said, unaware of the way he watched her hopefully as she strolled off in the direction of Platform 10.

*

Keen to find out if there had been any developments with regards their plans for Angie's Den, and by default, the snooker hall, Minty was up early and already heading for the Mitchells' front door. He was just about to knock when the door opened and Andy strolled out with a smile on his face, making him stop in his tracks. Minty looked past him to where Sam stood in the doorway in her dressing gown, also with a smile on her face, and his heart sank. He tried not to look so glum, but as Andy acknowledged him with an unusually cheerful "Good morning!”, he merely nodded and grunted something unintelligible, glancing after him with a distrustful look.

"Minty," said Sam, looking half embarrassed, half smug, "Didn't expect you so early."

"We got a lot to discuss." he said, following her into the house, "I take it this means we've got the backing of Mr. Hunter himself?"

"Lets just say, I can be pretty convincing ..." she shrugged, but her voice was triumphant at the thought of anything which would help her defeat the Watts.

"Yer sure we can trust 'im?" Minty asked, trying to keep from sounding jealous. "I'm not so sure we should be lettin' anyone else in on this ..."

"Trust me, Mints - I know what I'm doin' here." said Sam confidently.

*

"Hey," said Dennis, looking up as Sharon arrived home. "Busy day?"

"Well, some of us have a business to run!" she said, pretending to frown, but ending up smiling at him.

"Yeah, sorry about that - I had a bit of business of my own ..."

"Not getting into trouble, I hope?" Sharon said, only half joking.

"Course not!" he said innocently, "Just wantin' to keep ahead of things. And guess what I saw this mornin'? Only that Andy Hunter leavin' the Mitchell place at the crack of dawn!"

"So?" said Sharon, not really understanding what he was getting at.

"So it was pretty obvious he's been jumping into bed with our dear Samantha and if she's got him wrapped round her little finger, it could mean trouble for us."

"Don't go jumping to conclusions, Dennis." warned Sharon, "I don't want this nonsense getting out of hand - we ain't gonna get dragged into some war with the Mitchells or anyone else you think might be on their side! We shouldn't even be talking about sides - this has already gone far enough!"

"Okay, okay!" Dennis said, trying to sooth things over, "I don't want any trouble either - but I don't want to get caught out. I just want to ... keep tabs on things, okay?"

"As long as that's all it is ..." said Sharon anxiously.

*

"Ahh, Charlene - good of you to join us!" came the sarcastic remark as soon as she walked through the club.

"I'm on time!" she said, surprised by her boss's words.

"And are you planning on taking any unscheduled breaks today?" James asked sarcastically.

"Last time I checked, I was entitled to a lunch break!" she snapped.

"You’ll get a break if and when I say so! So if you want to keep your job round here, you'll stop thinking you can get away with whatever you want!" James paused as he marched over to her with a dangerous glint in his eyes, grabbing her arm roughly as she tried to just walk past him and get on with her work. "You're skating on thin ice, darlin' - remember that ..."

"Let go of me!" she protested, "You're hurting me! If my mum hears ..."

"If your mother hears so much as a word from you that I don't like, trust me when I say you'll regret it! Now get to work!"

Before she really had time to react, James was already storming off to his office, slamming the door behind him, and Charlie was left looking shaken in the middle of the club. She held her wrist, wincing in pain, not quite able to believe what had just happened. She had never liked or trusted James, but she had never suspected he would go this far. However, the entrance of another member of the bar staff made her jump and she hid her injured wrist under her coat, somehow feeling she had best keep quiet, at least for now.

*

to be continued...

[di marco]

great as usual! :)

[Torrie]

8.
"Mickey!" called Kelly from across the Square.

"Alright, Kel, what's up?" he grinned, coming to a stop beside the stall she and Zoë owned.

"So, did ya get any tickets?" she asked, quickly getting to the point.

"Would I let ya down, babe?"

"Mickey, did ya get the tickets or not?"

"Course I got 'em!" he said, sounding mildly offended, "I'll get 'em to you lot tomorrow, 'kay?"

"Yeah, this is gonna be a great night - we could all do with a laugh!" smiled Kelly, before turning to a customer. "I'll catch ya later, Mickey."

He headed off across the Square again, hoping to bump into the rest of the gang who had gone to Scotland to give them the good news.

"Hey, Zoë - big night tomorrow, get Kel to give ya the details!" he called as he saw the tall brunette heading towards her stall with coffees for herself and her best mate. "Ronny, man - yer up for a night out, ain't ya?"

"As always, bro, as always!" grinned Ronny, wandering over. "This about that new club Kel’s been bangin’ on about?"

Deciding not to mention the possibility of a gig - he'd let Tariq tell him that; maybe get back into Ronny's good books - Mickey told him about getting tickets for Platform 10's opening night and Ronny nodded appreciatively.

"Nice one, man - 'ow many ya sorted for?"

"All of us from the Scotland fiasco!" Mickey explained, "Let Kareena know, yeah? And I'm gonna 'ave to get back to the stall soon, so if ya see Martin or Sonia or anyone, spread the word."

He had already spotted Spencer leaving the Vic and jogged over to him.

"Spencer, mate - 'ow ya fixed for tomorrow night?"

"Why, what's goin' on?"

"Got a deal on some tickets for the new club, innit - ya in or what?"

"Yeah, yeah - I'm in." nodded Spencer enthusiastically.

While the two stood talking, they were joined by Vicki.

"What are you two gossiping about?" she grinned, "And to think you have the nerve to complain when girls do it!"

"For yer information, Vicks, this is important stuff we're discussin' 'ere!" said Mickey with mock seriousness. "Plannin' a great night out takes time an’ effort - ya could be a bit more appreciative!"

Vicki's eyes lit up with excitement, but she couldn't resist the chance to wind Mickey up and quickly feigned horror.

"You aren't gonna be driving again, are ya?"

"Cheeky little ... Well, that's fine if ya don't wanna come ..."

"Hey, I never said that! So where are we going?" she asked curiously.

It suddenly dawned on Mickey that a member of the Watts family might not be too happy about going to the club of their biggest rivals, but it was too late - Spencer had already piped up with the name of Platform 10 and Vicki had instantly glared at them both.

"Is that supposed to be funny?" she snapped, "You're not seriously gonna go there, are you?"

"We ... we just thought we'd check it out - see what all the fuss is about ..." said Mickey hesitantly.

"But they're gonna ruin Angie's Den! Are you just gonna help them do that? Some friends you guys are!" Vicki practically shouted, obviously hurt and upset. "Well, don't expect me to be there!"

"Aww, c'mon, Vic ..." sighed Mickey, but she was already storming off and Spencer, after glaring accusingly at Mickey, went after her.

Mickey shook his head in disbelief - he didn't see what the problem was really; it couldn't do any harm to see what the place was like and he would have thought Vicki of all people would have wanted to know exactly what Angie's Den was up against. He considered her a good friend and didn't want to upset her, but he didn't agree with her and wasn't prepared to let everyone else down over what he saw as making a mountain out of a molehill. And besides, what would Charlie think if he told her they didn't want the tickets anymore - if nothing else, the night would be another excuse to see her ... Vicki would get over it, eventually ... wouldn't she?

*

"Vicki, I think you're overreacting a bit." said Sharon gently as her little sister sulked on the couch. "I appreciate your loyalty to the club, but it's okay for you to go out and have a good time somewhere else ..."

"Somewhere else, yes." said Vicki, "But not at the only other local club - the one which could make our business suffer! I'm part of this family, part of the club - how can you tell me I'm overreacting?"

"It's understandable that the others want to check out somewhere new, especially on its opening night - they just wanted you to be included; they are your friends after all. They probably didn't think you would object so strongly." said Sharon reasonably, "It's okay, Vicki, for you all to go - it's not betraying us and anyway, hopefully they'll prefer Angie's Den in the long run! A little competition shouldn't make us feel threatened ..."

"Sharon's right, Vicks." chipped in Dennis, "And think about it - if you really want to help Angie's Den, you can be like a spy for the club, yeah? You can go have a good night out with your mates and then come back and tell us exactly what we're up against. That way we'll be prepared and we'll definitely be able to better anything Platform 10 can do!"

"Suppose." said Vicki reluctantly, "But the more people who go there, the more successful their opening and I don't want to help them like that."

"One more won't make any difference." Dennis pointed out.

"Fine. I'll go apologise to Mickey for biting his head off - but I bet it's crap anyway!" she added, making her elder siblings smile at each other as she left the room.

*

to be continued...

[di marco]

great! :D wonder what vicki will think of the club?

[Torrie]

9.
At seven on the dot, Charlie walked into the Queen Vic, trying to look around casually as she made her way to the bar. However, there was no sign of Mickey so she ordered a drink and found a bar stool to perch on while she waited. She couldn't help but keep checking her watch and looking around every time the door opened, her heart sinking each time it wasn't Mickey. Feeling a little paranoid, she kept wondering if he had forgotten their plans or maybe just found some better way to spend his evening. She didn’t know what she was getting so wound up about anyway – if her family’s track record was anything to go by, she wouldn’t be around long anyway. Maybe trying to convince herself things would be different this time and trying to make friends was just setting herself up for a fall … again …

"Running late, is he?" asked Kat as she cleared up some empty glasses from beside where Charlie was sitting.

"Yeah, just a bit."

"Men! They're all the same, innit?" she grinned, with a conspiratorial wink as she glanced pointedly at her husband.

"Oi, Kat, darlin'! D'ya wanna maybe stop badmouthin' me to the customers and try actually servin' some of 'em?" said Alfie, but it was obvious he was only joking and Charlie laughed at their bantering.

"I'm sure whoever he is, he'll be 'ere soon," Kat grinned as she went to serve someone else, "Just make sure he makes up fer it!"

Charlie nodded with a smile and was just about to check her watch again when she felt a light touch on her shoulder and turned to see Mickey grinning at her apologetically.

"Sorry I'm late - 'ad bit of business to clear up, but I'm all yours now!" he smiled, hoping she wasn't one of those people who were really picky about punctuality.

She only had to look at the hopeful little grin on his face and she found she had already completely forgiven him – he didn’t seem to her to be the sort of person you could stay mad at long, reinforcing the image she had of him as a bit of a scammer but with his heart in the right place.

"It's fine." she smiled and he looked relieved as he sat down beside her.

"Cool. So 'ow 'bout a quick drink and I can tell ya 'bout all the excitement this place 'as seen - then we can get goin', okay? What ya drinkin'?"

*

By the time Mickey had shown Charlie the sights of Walford and explained the history of those who lived there, it was much later and growing increasingly dark. They were in the deserted childrens' playground and Charlie was sitting on one of the tyre swings while Mickey pushed her gently.

"So that's about it." he said, "The whole run-down on the goings-on of Albert Square - 'course I'm not much of an expert. Most of this stuff, I only 'eard from other people too - I didn't see it meself. Sounds crazy, some of it, huh? Ya wouldn't think somewhere so ... normal lookin' woulda 'ad such mental people livin' in it over the years!"

Charlie laughed, "I know what ya mean, I guess everywhere has a history and things can happen that ya might never expect – I can hardly believe it! Never a dull moment here then!"

"I wouldn't be so quick to say that if I was you!" grinned Mickey, "Spendin' yer days on a market stall ain't that big a thrill - at least you'll get outta that with the club an' all!"

"True.” she said, pulling herself up so she was standing on the tyre as it swung backwards and forwards, looking out over the Square. “Although sometimes being behind the bar isn't exactly all it's cracked up to be either ..."

“How d’ya mean? I’d ‘ave thought workin’ in a big club would be a right laugh …” Mickey said as he seized the chance to jump up onto the swing with her so they were face to face, shifting his weight back and forth to keep their momentum going.

“Oh yeah, collecting glasses and getting hit on by guys who’ve had too much to drink – it’s a barrel of laughs!” she said wryly.

“Well, when ya put it like that …”

“Not that it’s all bad.” she hastened to add, “The music’s good and … Mickey!” She couldn’t help shrieking as the swing went higher and higher, feeling all the faster because she was standing up and balanced rather precariously.

“Hold tight!” he just teased, laughing and pulling a funny face at her.

“You big kid!” she giggled, thinking how strange it was to be having such a laugh just doing something so simple and childish – just hanging out with someone was so normal, so taken for granted by most people, but she hadn’t had that in a long time …

"So, whadda ya wanna do now then?" asked Mickey, eventually letting the swing slow down and then stopping it so they could both jump off. He really hoped she didn't have to get home just yet - he was really enjoying spending time with her and he could definitely see why she’d get chatted up at work …

"Oh, hey, I know!" exclaimed Charlie suddenly, "How about a preview of Walford's newest club - you could be the first non-staff person to see round Platform 10 and I could get those tickets for you while we're there, whadda ya think?" She stopped for a second to think and turned to him a little anxiously, "Unless of course you're in a hurry to get home - sorry, I've just been havin' a good time and keep forgettin' this must be pretty borin' for you. It's not like you haven't seen all this every day ..."

"No way - I'm havin' a pretty cool time too. I guess ya don't see the interest in stuff yer used to until ya think about it. Gotta admit, tellin' ya all this 'as made it sound exciting round 'ere - I just 'ope ya ain't gonna be disappointed!" he laughed.

Watching him with a little smile on her face, Charlie shook her head. "Oh, I don't think that'll happen ..." she said softly, "So, Platform 10 it is then?"

"Lead the way!" he grinned, happy for any excuse to prolong this "date".

*

to be continued...

[di marco]

wow great as usual. mickey and charlie seem to be getting along well. cant wait for the next part

[Torrie]

10.
Charlie led the way to the side entrance of the club, searching through her pockets for her keys and finally unlocking the door.

"Shhh!" she whispered half dramatically, but also half seriously as she remembered her earlier confrontation with her boss, "Just in case James or someone is around - he'd have my guts if he knew I'd let anyone else in here!"

She looked around and deciding it was safe to do so, she hit the light switches and turned to Mickey, wanting to see his reaction. He looked around, taking it all in and whistled softly.

"Now I can see why Vicki's gettin' so wound up - this place is really gonna give Angie's Den somethin' to think about!" he commented appreciatively, having already explained to her about Vicki and her attitude towards the newcomers.

"I feel kinda bad about that - I know she's a mate of yours," said Charlie, "Of course I wanna see this place do well, but hopefully Walford is big enough for the both of us - it ain't worth fighting over!" She was about to continue when she stopped to listen carefully and touched Mickey's arm. "Did you hear something?" she asked in a really low whisper.

"Nah," he whispered back, really only keeping his voice so quiet because she was. "You're imagining it - don't worry ..."

She listened for a moment longer and then shrugged, deciding he was right. However, seconds later she heard it again and this time she knew she was right.

"Someone's in the office!" she whispered in a panic, "And it has to be James, Dani or my mum - they're the only other ones with keys and the alarms would have been ringing when we got here if it was someone else ..."

She grabbed his hand and pulled him into what would be used as the cloakroom, pulling the door mostly closed and keeping the light off, having already turned out the lights in the main part of the club so everything was as they had found it. It was very dark as they could now only see a thin strip of light coming from the office - not that Mickey was complaining, although he could feel how tense Charlie was as she stood just in front of him, still holding his hand tightly although not seeming to realise she was doing it. Even though he could sense she was serious when she said she'd be in big trouble if they got caught, he couldn't help thinking she must be overreacting – it wasn’t like they were doing any harm and he didn’t exactly mind being “trapped” so close to her, with her clutching his hand …

*

"I think they're going ... " she whispered, never letting her eyes leave the gap in the door.

"I think they're gone ..." Mickey added after a couple more minutes of tense waiting. Slowly, he reached for the light switch, bathing the smallish room in soft light and, when no one came running to investigate, Charlie heaved a sigh of relief.

"That was lucky!" she exclaimed, looking up at him.

"Yeah ..." he nodded slowly and they both knew he didn't just mean not getting caught. It was only then that Charlie realised they were still hand in hand, but neither of them seemed particularly anxious to let go – the brunette just noted the look on Mickey's face and smiled up at him. They were already moving closer, each of them watching the other and searching for a reaction as they came close enough for their lips to almost touch.

"I did warn ya what this place is like for excitement!" said Mickey with a slow grin as he looked down at her.

"Well, I got no complaints so far ..." she said simply, smiling coyly as she thought the threat of discovery was gone.

"So yer glad ya moved 'ere?"

"Definitely ..."

"Me too ..."

And then, almost before they knew what was happening, they were kissing. Soft, hesitant kisses at first, slowly building up until Mickey's arms wrapped around her to pull her closer as her lips parted under the gentle pressure of his mouth. Then she was running the fingers of her right hand lightly through his tousled hair, her left arm sliding over his shoulder as he gently guided her back against the wall to kiss her deeply, all thoughts of anyone else gone from both their minds.

*

Unknown to either of them, they had been heard long before Charlie suspected they were not alone and, had she known who exactly knew of their presence, she would have been extremely worried. And with good reason. They had never exactly seen eye to eye and the manager of Platform 10 would make the most of any opportunity to make life difficult for the young woman. James was inwardly seething with anger that his instructions to keep the club's interior a closely guarded secret had been disobeyed, but he was also made edgy by the thought that questions might be raised as to why he himself had been there at that time of night when the club was closed, and the less anyone knew of his movements, the better. He wondered who was with Charlie as hers was the only voice he could pick out, not being too familiar with the residents of the area yet. Thinking quickly, he kept his anger in check and resisted heading out to catch her "red-handed". Instead, he pretended to leave, but quietly slipped into the smaller private office, reserved solely for the manger and quite separate from the main office he had just left.

*

[Torrie]

11.
The manager of Platform 10 left the lights off so as not to attract attention should the "intruders" walk past the door unexpectedly, but merely flicked a switch and turned on the small television screen. Now able to watch the security camera footage, he watched impatiently until it flicked to the view of the cloakroom and his eyes narrowed when it did so. The kid from that morning ... he should have known he was going to be trouble. James' eyebrows rose as he watched Mickey and Charlie kiss and he shook his head slowly.

"Well, well, well - whatever would mummy say?" he murmured quietly, but his tone was cold and sharp. Charlie had asked some pretty awkward questions of him in the past and made his life quite difficult at times. So far, he had always talked himself out of such situations, but he'd be damned if he let her get away with it and he was determined to see her unhappy - he make her suffer for what he had been forced to put up with. Running this club was a comfortable set-up and one he was determined to stay in control of - whatever the cost.

*

When they finally pulled apart, Mickey just looked down at her to gauge her reaction and grinned when she smiled up at him, her arms still around his neck.

"I've wanted to do that fer ages ..." he whispered, giving her another little peck on the lips and leaning his forehead gently against hers as he looked into her deep green eyes.

"Ya haven't even known me for ages! But, I'm glad ya did!" she giggled, holding onto him. "We should get outta here though ..."

He nodded, but neither of them made any move to go and she laughed again, letting her hands slide up and down his arms gently as they stayed wrapped round her waist, "Be nice to just stay, but that was too close - don't wanna be runnin' into James, that would really ruin a great evening! Lets just grab the tickets from the main office and get outta here." She reached up to hug him, kissing him again all too briefly, before lacing her fingers through his and nodding towards the door. "C'mon, aren't ya gonna walk a girl home?!"

*

"Mum," said Dani thoughtfully, as she made both herself and her mother a cup of coffee.

"Mm-hmm?" was the only response which came from in front of the television, sounding less then eager to be talking and causing Dani to pause. The eldest Saunders sister was unsure that she wanted to disrupt the peace by raising a subject which had always been a bone of contention in their household.

"Can I ask you something?" she began, feeling strangely nervous. "Something about ... about ..."

"What is it?" asked Carla, her attention finally drawn by her eldest daughter's obvious discomfort. She turned around, took one look at her face and switched off the tv. "Sounds serious."

"I guess it kinda is ..." Dani continued, "It's about the club ..."

"There's nothing wrong is there - everything's okay for the opening, isn't it?"

"It's nothing like that, I think we're as ready as we'll ever be to open. It's just ... well, I mean ..."

"Yes?" her mother said encouragingly, "Go on."

Dani sighed and started to play with a blonde highlighted strand of her short light brown hair before moving to sit beside her mother and turning to look at her squarely.

"The club - it's the family business, yeah?"

"Of course ..." said Carla with a puzzled frown, not entirely sure where this was going.

"So then ... why ... I mean ..." she took a deep breath and decided to just say what was on her mind. "So how come we need James to run it?" Her mother opened her mouth to interrupt, but Dani continued regardless. "When I was younger, I know we needed someone then - but now ... Mum, I'm twenty-five years old! I've been the assistant manager of every club we've owned for the last four years, I can handle the responsibility!"

"I know you can ..." sighed Carla, "It's not you, it's just ..."

"Just what?" asked Dani in exasperation, "Anytime I try to bring this up, you try fobbing me off with excuses! How can you say it's not me? And you know none of us get along with James - we don't need him! Don't you trust me, is that it?"

"No, it's not you I don't trust!" snapped Carla surprisingly, before falling silent.

"Mum, please ..."

"Look, Dani, believe me - I understand how you feel, but it doesn't change anything. We can't let personal feelings get in the way of business - James stays. I don't expect you to understand, but just drop it! And don't you dare mention this to him - I mean it, Dani!" warned her mother angrily, but beneath any anger obviously lay anxiety and Dani knew better than to argue.

"Fine!" she snapped.

Without another word, Carla got up and hurried out of the room, making sure to close the door behind her. Dani was left behind, staring after her and wondering, not for the first time, exactly what sort of hold James had over her mother. Maybe she was jumping to conclusions, but she suspected there had to be some reason for her mother's strange behaviour and that the unpopular manager was at the bottom of it. She intended to find out what was going on once and for all.

*

to be continued...

[di marco]

that was brill! :D awww about charlie and mickey, i wanted to see them get together. cant wait to find out what james is up to, he sounds dodgy! like your new signiture by the way! :)

[Torrie]

Thanks! :D

12.
Back at Platform 10, James had waited impatiently for Charlie and Mickey to leave, listening to them talking and laughing together as they went. Holding back just long enough to ensure they were well away from the club, he then hurried to turn off the alarms which Charlie had reset, so that they wouldn’t pick up his presence. Only then could he relax a little, still angry that his orders had been ignored and by the youngest of the Saunders, of all people. If it had been down to him alone, she would have been out of a job long ago, but her mother was the only thing standing in his way on that score …

Having been a business acquaintance of her father for years, James had known Charlie her whole life, but it was only in recent years that she was becoming something of a liability. As much as he disliked her, he had to admit she was a sharp kid – too sharp for his liking. She had the nerve to question his decisions and actions and was fast becoming more and more suspicious of him. He could tell her mother was having difficulty in persuading her to leave well enough alone and if she ever discovered the whole story, the truth, he would be in serious trouble. She would not be nearly so easily manipulated as her mother who still believed she had a lot to lose – her business, her daughters – enough to keep her from confronting him.

For, while Carla knew more about his past than James cared to think about, he knew a few choice Saunders family secrets too. And he knew how important it was to Carla that no one should discover the truth – particularly her precious daughters. She also had to face the added fear that, however hard the truth might be to hear, her children would also resent that she had ever lied to them in the first place.

Yet, as things were, James didn’t want to let the information which he held get out, not so soon – it was just the leverage he needed to keep a strong hold on his position. But what he wouldn’t give to see the looks on their faces if he told them everything – particularly Charlie’s … He held the potential to destroy the young woman …

*

"Soooo ..." said Mickey as he and Charlie arrived hand in hand at her front door and he turned to her with a reluctant smile, sorry their evening together was about to end.

"Soooo ..." she repeated softly, "I guess this is my stop ... Thanks for tonight - I had a great time."

"My pleasure, I'm glad ya enjoyed it." he grinned. "An' anyway, I should be the one thankin' ya for these." he added, patting the pocket where he had stored the tickets she had given him.

"Nope - that was my thank-you for showing me round, remember?"

He nodded and then paused as if considering something.

"D'ya think ya might maybe wanna ... do something again ... with me?" he asked, trying not to let his hopes get too high in case he was disappointed – maybe the kiss was just a one-off and she was already regretting it. "I dunno, maybe catch a film or somethin'?"

"Sure, I'd like that." she grinned.

"Yeah?" said Mickey, sounding a little surprised, "I mean, great! Hey, are ya workin' tomorrow night?"

"Yeah, it's all hands on deck for the big opening."

"Well, at least I'll see ya there then ... Too bad ya'll be stuck behind the bar ..."

"True, but who knows - maybe I'll be able to grab a break sometime ..."

"Make sure ya do - I'll save ya a dance!" winked Mickey, making her laugh.

"That better be a promise!" Charlie smiled, "Well, I guess I'll see you tomorrow then."

"Lookin' forward to it! Night, babe ..."

"G'night, Mickey ..."

Charlie turned to go inside when Mickey caught her wrist gently, but he instantly looked guilty when she notably winced in pain.

"It's okay," she reassured him quickly, trying to cover her wrist with the sleeve of her coat as she had just after James had hurt it in the first place. "It wasn't you - I just hurt it this morning. It's nothin' - honestly ..."

Although relieved he hadn't hurt her by accident or anything, Mickey still wanted to make sure she was really okay and took her hand to carefully push her sleeve back, revealing bruising on the underside of her wrist.

"Ouch!" he commented, gently running his fingertips over the discoloured skin and looking at her in concern. "So 'ow'd ya manage that 'un then?"

"Dunno," she shrugged, avoiding eye contact. "Must have done it at work - it'll be fine."

He noticed that she was acting a little cagily about it, but pushed that thought to the back of his mind and nodded slowly, accepting her story and deciding not to press the issue.

"Were you gonna say something?" asked Charlie, trying to change the subject, "When you stopped me?"

"Oh, um ... yeah ..." said Mickey with a little shrug. "Seemed like a good idea at the time ..."

"What was it?" she asked curiously, "Go on then, tell me."

He looked down at her and, as she smiled up at him, eyebrows raised questioningly, he couldn't resist and slowly leaned down to kiss her softly - a simple "goodnight" kiss.

"Umm ... that was kinda it ..."

"Glad ya told me!" she whispered, her eyes sparkling happily. "Night, Mickey ..."

"See ya tomorrow, Charlie ..."

She went inside, pausing in the doorway to turn and give him a little wave and when she had closed the door behind her, he turned and strolled off, his hands deep in his pockets and a broad grin on his face.

*

to be continued...

[di marco]

wow, great again. cant wait to see whats next. hope theres more soon :)

[Rach33]

This is brill keep it coming

[Torrie]

13.
Startled out of his reverie by the ringing of the office telephone, James frowned, wondering who could be ringing at this hour.

“Hello? … Has something happened? … Then why are you ringing? … I thought we had a deal – you don’t ring me here! What if something goes wrong – you think I want to be explaining my connection to you to the cops? I don’t think you really understand how serious this is – we’re both in this up to our necks … No, no, it’s done now – so what did you want? … Listen, I’m not going to rush this just because you’re getting itchy feet – I’ve been building up to this for years and I’m not going to see all that planning wasted! … Don’t you get mouthy with me – not after everything I’ve done! I wouldn’t take it from Dalton and I won’t be taking it from you – don’t think I’m scared of you! You must have heard from Jack what the score was so I’d be careful if I was you … Just remember, you were who talked me into sticking with this – when I heard Jack Dalton was dead, I was ready to get on the next plane out of the country, to put this all behind me and start over, but you were the one who wanted to pick up where we left off.” James paused with the phone still pressed to his ear, running a hand over his slicked back dark hair. “Sometimes I think I’d have been better off just settling for this club and keeping well out of your lots’ affairs! It’s thanks to Dalton and now to you that I’m in as deep as I am … I know, I know … Just … just keep me posted, yeah? And you don’t breathe a word to anyone – not that blonde bimbo of yours, not anyone, got it? … Careful, Andy, or you’ll have me thinking you’ve actually got feelings …”

He hung up the phone before he could hear the retort and sighed – how had things gotten so complicated?

*

Having said good night to Mickey, Charlie practically floated through the front door and when it shut behind her, she allowed her eyes to close with a contented little sigh as she thought about the evening she had just enjoyed. She had experienced a moment’s anxiety when it had seemed that Mickey might raise some awkward questions about the bruising on her wrist, but that seemed to have been dealt with and she could now just focus on the good points. She couldn’t believe how lucky she had been this time around – usually she hated moving to a new place. She didn’t really get much of a chance to meet new people what with being stuck working in whatever club her mother had found to take on and any friends she did make, she usually had to leave behind when they moved on. The last couple of times they had moved, she just hadn’t put the effort in to making friends – there didn’t seem much point as it would only cause hurt when the time came, as it always did, to move on.

This time though, things were going to be different – her mum had promised it would be. This time they were going to make a go of it. Platform 10 was the ideal club for their family, her mum had decided, and they would be sticking around in Walford indefinitely. Charlie hoped that was true – she felt so lucky to have found a guy like Mickey and entirely by accident too. She had liked him from the start and, now that she knew him a little better, she thought that he was really fun to be around - she just hoped her mum was right and that they wouldn't be leaving Walford. Things were really starting to look up for a change ...

Unable to keep from smiling, she started towards the kitchen to let her mum know she was home when she saw her outside the living room door. She was leaning against the closed door with her eyes closed, but unlike her daughter, she looked far from happy.

"Mum?" Charlie asked in concern, "Everything all right?"

Snapping out of her daze, Carla straightened up self-consciously and forced a smile onto her face.

"Of course, love!" she said with false cheeriness, "Why wouldn't it be?"

"Yeah, right!" said Charlie sceptically, "Now come on, why are ya standing out here?"

"It's nothing for you to worry about, Charlie; just a little business disagreement with your sister after a long day." she smiled more convincingly this time, "Now, where have you been until this time and what have you been up to that's given you a grin like a Cheshire cat?"

"Nothing special ..." said Charlie evasively with a coy little smile, playing with the end of her plait absentmindedly.

"Now who do you think you're fooling?" laughed Carla, "I'm your mother, remember? I know that look ..."

"What look?" she persisted innocently.

"Okay, I can take a hint - I'm just glad your settling in. Now, it's been a tiring few days so maybe you should get some rest."

Charlie nodded and leaned over to give her mum a quick kiss on the cheek.

"Night, mum. And don't worry 'bout Dani - you'll work it out, yeah?"

"Of course, sweetheart. Good night." Carla said, waiting until her youngest child had disappeared up the stairs, taking them two at a time, before heaving another sigh and sinking back against the doorframe. She had hoped things would go more smoothly this time, but at least she could be glad Charlie was happy ... for now anyway.

*

to be continued...

[di marco]

james working on a deal with andy - never a good sign! :D really excellent script, cant wait for the next part! :)

[Torrie]

14.
The opening night had finally arrived and, in fact, there was only a few minutes left until the doors opened. James was already feeling the pressure of organising all the last minute details and ensuring it all ran smoothly, so he was taking it out on everyone around him, barking orders and pacing the floor. He had already checked outside and, although pleased to see how long the queues were already, the sight only made him tenser - he was determined to prove himself indispensable to the future of the club, no matter what the cost.

"Everyone should be in place!" he shouted above the music, as the dj set the first track of the night playing. "And where the hell is Charlie - we're about to open and we're a bar tender down so where is she?!"

Outside, Charlie was fighting her way through the queues to the front door.

"Sorry!" she managed breathlessly, pushing past people, "Sorry … 'scuse me ... hey, watch it!"

She finally made it to the door and smiled sheepishly at the bouncer.

"Hey, Shaun - can ya let me in 'cos James is gonna have my guts if I don't put in appearance like twenty minutes ago?!" she said.

"Go ahead, kid." grinned the burly, shaven-headed doorman, "Wouldn't wanna be you when James gets hold of you!"

"Tell me about it!" she sighed, taking a couple of seconds to fix her uniform, pulling at her black trousers and straightening her fitted black shirt.

"Oi, 'ow come she gets to queue-jump?" came a protest from an impatient red-haired girl a few places back.

"'Cos she works here!" Charlie snapped, pulling off her denim jacket and pointing at the words "Platform 10" which were scrawled across the back of her shirt in silvery script, "I'd be happy to swap with ya!" With that she hurried through the doors and down the steps, trying to sneak past James to the staff-room but failing miserably.

"And where the hell have you been? I've warned you countless times about this!"

"That's not true!" she protested indignantly against her boss's accusation. She knew that she had been in the wrong a couple of times, but he had a distinct tendency to blow things out of all proportion, particularly when it came to her.

"One more word and you're out of here, opening night or no opening night!" he shouted, "Now get behind that bar and don't have me tell you again!"

Charlie narrowed her eyes, angry at being treated like dirt and in front of everyone too, but she knew better than to continue to make an issue of it and in record time, she had left her belongings in the staff-room and appeared behind the bar.

"Just ignore him." came the whispered advice from the bar tender beside her, "He's been losing the plot since he got 'ere!"

"So I see!" agreed Charlie, "Still, we'll be too busy to notice him soon - it's gonna be mental in here! Have ya seen those queues?”

“Yeah, we’ve seen bigger crowds though – I dunno why I thought moving down here was such a good idea really … I mean, I’ve always fancied living in London and I knew I’d have a job with you lot if I came to the same area, but it’s not like I want to make a career out of barwork and this place ain’t exactly the West End … Maybe I should have stayed up north …”

“You’re such a pessimist, Steve!” laughed Charlie, listening in disbelief to his rant. “Give it a chance!”

“I wonder where your mum intends going next …” he mused, ignoring her until she froze at his comment.

“Next? There’s not going to be a next – we’re stopping here …”

“I’ll believe it when I see it, kiddo – now we’d better get cracking, the boss is looking this way!”

He hurried off to the other end of the bar, leaving Charlie looking concerned – she hated the thought of moving again; she was already beginning to like it here … she was making friends … She should have known better than get her hopes up – she had been right all along; there was no point getting close to anyone if she was only going to get hurt when she had to leave them behind …

*

“So ya reckon we got nothin’ to worry about then, do ya?” asked Kat sceptically as she and Alfie and Tracy stood behind the bar.

Alfie looked around, nodded in greeting to Dot and Jim as they went to sit at a table with Pauline and Derek – they, along with a small handful of other regulars, were their only customers.

“So it’s a bit slow,” he shrugged nonchalantly, “Don’t worry ‘bout it, darlin’, it’ll pick up.”

“Oh, I ain’t worried, darlin’” returned Kat, imitating his laid-back attitude. “But I bet Sam will be when she looks at the books!”

“Well, you just let ‘er and don’t go worryin’ yer pretty little ‘ead about it, Mrs Moon.” grinned Alfie, “Come on, it is the openin’ night for the club – if they can’t pull the punters tonight, when can they, eh?”

“Wonder if it’s busy down there?” mused Kat, “’Ere, Tracy, mind the bar for a bit – it ain’t like yer gonna be run off yer feet!”

Grabbing Alfie by the hand, she pulled him up the stairs and into the sitting room, going over to the window.

“Look!” she exclaimed, seeing the crowds queuing to get into Platform 10, “No wonder it’s been quiet!”

“That club must be some place …” said Alfie, but he simply shrugged and wrapped his arms around his wife as he stood behind her, peering over her shoulder. “Soooo, Mrs Moon, whadda ya say we … make the most of it?”

Kat turned in his arms and kissed him, “Now yer talkin’!” she grinned.

*

to be continued...

[di marco]

god, james is a right moany git! he never gives charlie any peace, poor girl. brill as usual! :D hope theres more soon, cant wait!

[Torrie]

Oh, James is definitely worse than that! ;)

15.
"So whadda ya think?" asked Mickey as the gang all finally made it inside Walford's newest nightclub.

"This is pretty cool, man - whoever this Charlie is, we owe 'im one!" nodded Ronny, not knowing about Charlie as Mickey had only mentioned the name without giving any details, "And the dj sounds wicked - not as good as me, of course, but aaay, who is?!"

"This place looks great! And check out the talent!" squealed Kelly excitedly.

"I don't see what the big deal is ..." said Vicki, trying to sound bored and hid the fact that she was looking around curiously, secretly admiring the expensive décor.

"Lighten up, Vicks!" said Spencer patiently, "D'ya want a drink or somethin'?"

He started to head for the bar, followed by the others when he heard Ronny whistle appreciatively.

"This place, it just gets better an' better - get a load of the bird behind the bar!" he said, "An' she's lookin' over 'ere - awww, man, I am so in there!"

Mickey merely raised his eyebrows and glanced from Ronny back to the bar, seeing that the "bird" he was already eyeing up was Charlie. "Oh, ya think?" he commented, just a little worried as he knew all about Ronny's reputation with women.

"I don't just think - I know!" Ronny grinned confidently. "What's up, Mick? Ya reckon ya got a chance, bruv?"

"Maybe ..." said Mickey slowly.

"Nah, there ain't no point goin' up against my man Ronny." Tariq warned Mickey, "He ain't ever lost out to no one where women concerned!"

"Go on then, Mickey!" said Kareena surprisingly, "Go talk to her!"

Mickey looked at her in surprise, but Kareena just smiled encouragingly. As close as she and Ronny were, she still felt guilty for ditching Mickey in favour of trying to rekindle her romance with Tariq and she wanted to see him happy.

"Maybe we should take a little bet on this ..." grinned Martin, up for making some quick cash as always, but getting a slap on the arm from Sonia for his troubles.

"That poor girl shouldn't just be a bet!" she exclaimed.

"She's right." said Mickey and the others looked at him, taken aback that he of all people was going to pass up the opportunity to make some money. But he, for once, agreed with Sonia. Perhaps if it had been any other girl, things would have been different, but he knew Charlie and genuinely liked her. He wasn't going to turn her into the prize in some stupid bet - even if their kiss, which the others knew nothing about, meant the odds were in his favour!

Without saying anything more, he headed for the bar and waited to catch Charlie's attention as she was busy serving customers and laughing with another bar tender. Mickey watched, his smile fading slightly as he noticed she did seem to get on pretty well with the blonde guy joking with her as they worked side by side. And his smile turned into a frown as he noticed the guy grab her by the waist to move around her, grabbing for the bottle of tequila just out of his reach. He paused, a little surprised by himself - could he really be jealous already?

It wasn't like they were dating properly - they had only kissed once ... well, twice, but that was hardly the issue ... These two worked together - it was probably perfectly innocent ... wasn't it? Why was he even so bothered? There were plenty of other girls around … All these questions were running around in Mickey's mind, when suddenly Charlie spotted him.

"Mickey!" she grinned, her face lighting up in delight. "You're here!"

Pleased that she seemed glad to see him, he fought his way closer to the bar and smiled.

"Hey! Ya look busy!"

"Not too busy for you ..." she said with a wink, "What ya drinkin'? And it's on the house - and for your mates too!"

*

"Is it just me or is she flirtin' with 'im?" asked Zoë innocently, pleased to see someone get one over on her ex, Ronny.

"Nah, she ain't ..." he tried to insist, but it was pretty obvious to everyone that the two were hitting it off well.

"Oh, please!" scoffed Kelly, "I know that laugh - I've used that laugh! She's definitely givin' 'im the come-on!"

"I reckon we should go introduce ourselves!" grinned Martin, heading over quickly to slap Mickey on the back. "Ain't ya gonna introduce us, man?"

"I take it these are your mates?" smiled Charlie, reaching over the bar to shake hands with Martin. "Hiya, I'm Charlie ..."

"You're Charlie!" he exclaimed, "That explains it!"

"Explains what?"

"Nothin'!" interrupted Mickey, turning to introduce the rest of the group.

"So we should be thankin' ya fer these tickets then." smiled Sonia, but Charlie shook her head.

"Nah, forget about it - it's no problem, me and Mickey already squared it. I just hope you guys are enjoying yourselves!"

"Definitely!" declared Zoë and Kelly together as they kept staring at the blonde male bar tender.

Charlie noticed what they were doing and laughed as the two girls started quizzing her about him and they giggled and chatted together like old friends, glancing at him every so often and making a pang of jealousy hit both Mickey and the increasingly downcast Spencer.

"So have ya ... ya know?" asked Zoë, tilting her head towards him and Mickey listened carefully to what Charlie's answer would be.

"What - me and Steve?" she broke off to shriek with laughter, "No way! He ain't my type and ...

"So gorgeous ain't yer type?!" Kelly giggled, "Wish I could be that fussy!"

Charlie glanced over at her fellow bartender and then leaned over the bar to whisper to her new acquaintances, with the result that they shrieked in disbelief and Mickey didn't know whether to be relieved by Charlie's answer or worried by their continued gossiping. Luckily for him, however, Kelly guessed that he was more than a little interested in the pretty brunette and leaned over to share the secret with him.

"He's gay!" she whispered, sounding disappointed, "Ain't it such a waste?"

But Mickey definitely had to disagree with her and could only look relieved at the news!

*

Charlie kept her word and even managed to go one better, making sure each member of the group got a couple of free drinks, and she enjoyed getting to know them all, chatting as she worked. With the exception of Vicki, they were all having a good time and were getting on well with their new friend - Vicki, however, was determined not to have anything good to say about the rival club or to get along with anyone connected to it; especially the daughter of the owner! And Mickey couldn’t really get a chance to talk to Charlie properly since Ronny kept trying to butt in and blatantly flirt with her. However, before either of them could get anywhere, someone else interrupted. Unfortunately for them, there was one other person who was not happy about what was happening. James had been keeping an eye on everything all night and was not pleased to see Charlie making friends so easily, nor was he pleased to see her enjoy herself when she was supposed to be working. And he didn't care who knew it.

"Charlene!" he snapped, coming around behind the bar. "You can, of course, correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't you supposed to be working, not socialising? You can do whatever you want on your own time, but when I'm paying your wages, you'll damn well do as I say!"

The rest of the group looked uncomfortable and averted their eyes in embarrassment, while Mickey looked on angrily, about to jump to her defence when she shook her head ever so slightly to warn him not to.

"You're right, James, sorry." she said, trying to stay calm so as not to cause a scene, but underneath, she was seething with anger and deeply embarrassed at being told off in full view of the club. She mouthed an apology to the group and they smiled uneasily before drifting off to the dance-floor or to find a table. When James too finally marched off, Charlie sighed and looked down at her feet unhappily only to look up and see Kelly and Zoë back in front of her.

"What a muppet!" exclaimed Zoë, glaring in James's direction, "Sorry we got ya into trouble!"

"Yeah," agreed Kelly, "But, hey, maybe we could all hang out sometime ya ain't gotta work?"

"Really?" said Charlie, cheering up a bit.

"Sure! I reckon we'd get on really well - it'd be a laugh!" grinned Kelly, "We'll talk to ya later when that moany git ain't about!"

As they headed back to dance, Charlie grinned - she already liked the two girls and it'd be great to have some friends in the Square. And it's be even better since it seemed hanging out with them would also mean hanging out with Mickey - the group all seemed pretty good friends and Mickey had already told her about the Scotland fiasco which must have brought them closer together. It was just a pity she probably wasn't going to get much time to spend with him tonight ...

However, suddenly remembering Steve’s words, Charlie paused – was this really such a good idea? Was there any point thinking about a potential relationship when they might be moving on – could she really cope with losing friends again? Maybe she’d just be asking for trouble if she carried on the way she had been … It would probably be better for everyone if she just got on with her job and forgot about trying to fit in - she didn't think she could handle a repeat of the past.

*

to be continued...

[di marco]

i feel so sorry for charlie. and i hate james, cant wait to find out what hes really up to! hope theres more to come soon, its great! :D

[Torrie]

16.
The night flew in for most of the club's patrons, but for Mickey it seemed to crawl. He had spent most of the night downing pints at a table with the other guys, only half listening to their conversation and not really seeming his usual self – it wasn’t like him not to be the life and soul of the party, flirting with the girls, dancing and drinking more than was strictly good for him! He would have loved to go and talk to Charlie, maybe even ask her to dance if he was really lucky, but he didn't want to get her in any more trouble with her boss. So he had to resort to just watching her from across the club, annoyed that Ronny was also looking at her and practically drooling, but not knowing that she was also watching someone when he wasn’t looking … And that someone was him!

It was taking a lot of effort on Charlie's part just to get the drinks orders right - she was completely distracted by other thoughts and knew if James noticed, he probably really would fire her on the spot! Unfortunately, someone did notice the state she was in, but somewhat luckily for her, the person to notice was her own sister. While Dani wasn't exactly pleased that any member of staff would have their mind on something other than their job, she knew how much pressure James put on her younger sister and she had also noticed what had been going on with Mickey, guessing that he was the "friend" who had put Charlie in such a good mood since they had moved to the area. She wasn't usually inclined to let her sister off lightly, but for once she felt she could make an exception - she disliked James almost as much as her sister did and knew it would irritate him, finding that all the more reason to go ahead!

"Charlie," she called, "You've been flat out all night - you can take a break if you like."

"Are ya sure?" asked Charlie in surprise, going over to Dani to make sure she had heard right.

"Yeah, go on - before I change my mind!" she smiled as Charlie hugged her in thanks before making her way slowly across the dance-floor.

However, before she could get very far, someone stepped in front of her and, when she tried to get past, he stopped her. She looked up and found Ronny standing in front of her with a smile on his face.

“Oh, hi.” she smiled back easily, completely oblivious to what had been occurring.

“So, you managed to get a break then – fancy a dance? I usually dj, but I got some pretty good moves on the dance-floor too …” he said with a confident smile.

“Um … I was gonna … oh, ok.” Charlie accepted hesitantly, following him as he grabbed her hands and pulled her into the middle of the dance-floor, a broad triumphant grin on his face.

*

Realising Charlie was no longer behind the bar, Mickey looked around for her and he smiled as he saw her dancing in the middle of the floor, looking like she was finally getting a chance to enjoy herself. However, his smile faded when he saw she was dancing with Ronny who was moving closer and closer to her and looking increasingly like the cat that got the cream. Convinced he had lost out, he turned away and slumped down in his seat, concentrating on his pint disappointedly.

“Mickey, you’re kinda quiet tonight, man – what’s up?” asked Gus from across the table.

“Nothin’.” he said unconvincingly, but he realised how it must look and inwardly gave himself a little shake. He downed what remained of his pint and forced a grin on his face, nodding towards a couple of tall blonde girls by the bar. “We are meant to be havin’ fun, so ya up for it, Gus?” he asked, before heading off to chat up the first good-looking girl he found and trying to forget about Charlie and Ronny.

Although she was having a good time dancing and laughing with Ronny, Charlie kept looking around trying to spot where Mickey had gone – one minute she had seen him sitting at a table with a drink and the next, he’d disappeared.

“Somethin’ wrong, babe?” asked Ronny, leaning close to speak right in her ear, over the music.

“Umm, no …” she said hesitantly before shaking her head more surely, “I mean, no, of course not.”

“Glad to hear it. I just thought you looked kinda … preoccupied …”

“It’s just with this being the first night, I can’t help trying to gauge the reaction, ya know?” she tried to explain, knowing that wasn’t really what was wrong.

“You must be pleased you got a crowd like this.” said Ronny, “Although, it does have its drawbacks …”

“How do you mean?”

“You know …” he said, with a knowing look, “Listen, how d’ya fancy maybe goin’ somewhere a bit more … exclusive …”

It suddenly dawned on Charlie exactly what was going on and her eyes widened a little in surprise, “Oh, you mean … I … I dunno, Ronny …”

“C’mon, Charlie, we could sneak outta here and no one would even notice …”

The brunette glanced around the packed club, wondering if James had noticed she wasn’t working and realising, as she did so, that Mickey was by the bar, currently seeming engrossed in some blonde girl. For a second, Charlie almost said yes to Ronny’s suggestion in a knee-jerk reaction to the sight, but then she sighed to herself. There was no point in playing at being someone she wasn’t – she wasn’t going to get involved with someone just to spite someone else. Regretting the pessimistic thoughts which had kept her holding back from getting her hopes too high about anything which might happen with Mickey, she turned to Ronny and shook her head.

“Sorry, Ronny, but I really have to get back to work – thanks for the dance though.”

“But …”

However, before Ronny even had time to protest, she had excused herself and was hurrying away from him, with the intention of returning despondently to her place behind the bar. Not really paying attention to her surroundings, she apologised automatically as she bumped into someone, only looking up when she felt their hands on her shoulders to steady her.

“Mickey!” she exclaimed, “Sorry, I wasn’t looking …”

“It’s alright …” He paused awkwardly, not really knowing what to say to her as he didn’t want to seem to bothered that she might not be interested. All the same, he couldn’t help it – “So where’s Ronny? The two of ya looked pretty cosy …” he said, trying to keep any jealousy out of his voice but wanting to know if he had totally missed his shot.

"We were just dancing, but then I remembered something …” she replied, growing strangely nervous before pushing any doubts to the back of her mind and looking straight into his eyes. “Weren’t you saving me a dance?"

"Ain't ya supposed to be workin'?" he said, just to check but hoping she wouldn't change her mind.

"Nope, I'm all yours!" she grinned, echoing his own words in the Vic without even realising.

His hopes already soaring again, Mickey willingly took her hand to lead her into the middle of the dance-floor again, making their way through the crowds of people to a space on the floor.

“Thought you were in there, Ronny?” said Sonia innocently as Ronny tried to laugh it off.

“It don’t mean nothin’, does it? It ain’t like it’s even a slow song …” But even as he spoke the track switched to another much slower one and he groaned, “No way, man!”

Mickey paused to look down at Charlie for a second, unsure of what she wanted, but she simply took his hands and guided them to her waist before sliding her own arms around his neck and looking up at him with a little smile. He held her closer as they swayed together in time to the music and Charlie sighed contentedly, relaxing completely in his arms.

“This is nice …” she murmured; Mickey only just making out what she said over the music. “No offence to Ronny or anything, but I hope he’s a better dj than he is dancer!”

“Ya better not let ‘im ‘ear ya say that!” grinned Mickey, “Yer gonna do nothin’ for ‘is ego – he fancies ‘imself as pretty good on the dance floor …”

“I reckon he just fancies himself!” Charlie giggled, “Nah, he’s alright – just …”

“Just what?” asked Mickey softly, leaning his forehead against hers and looking down into her eyes.

“Just not really my type …” she said with a meaningful look.

It had been a long night and this was just what she needed – not rushing into anything, but not ruling it out either. She couldn’t keep thinking the worst or she wouldn’t have any kind of life – she had to just let things happen and trust that it would all work out. Maybe this time she would actually get to settle down somewhere and not have to think about moving on …

Mickey smiled to see her so relaxed and reached out to smooth a strand of her hair back form her eyes, leaning down to kiss her but ending up disappointed when she leaned away from him.

“Ha!” Ronny practically shouted, “Did you see that? He got shot down – I’m tellin’ ya, I’m still in with a chance!”

“Sorry,” Mickey tried to apologise, not really sure what had gone wrong. “I thought …”

"It's not you," Charlie was quick to reassure him. "But it's kinda off-putting when my mother is right over there! Come on ..."

She pulled out of his embrace and grabbed his hand, quickly leading the way to a more shadowy edge of the dance floor where they would be unlikely to be spotted by any member of her family.

"Now ..." she grinned playfully, "Where were we?"

*

[Torrie]

This is actually more of part 16 - it was a bit long to post all as one, lol! It all starts to kick off ...

*

Only having eyes for each other, the newest couple in Walford didn't notice that Vicki was sitting close by nursing her vodka and coke and still trying to convince herself that she hated the club and everything connected with it. She looked up from her drink and frowned in disgust when she spotted Charlie and Mickey together.

"Honestly, get a room!" she huffed, mostly to herself since no one else was listening, before slamming her now empty glass down on the table and getting up to leave.

"Hey, Vicks - where ya off to?" called Spencer from where he was chatting to Kelly, Zoe and Gus.

"Have you lot seen those two? It's disgusting!" she complained, completely ignoring Spencer's question.

“I know!” Ronny huffed in disappointment.

"What ya on about?" asked Kelly with a little laugh at the look on their friend's face. She peered across the dance floor and realised what she was talking about, smiling. "Awww, no it ain't - it's sweet!" she giggled.

"Oh please!" scoffed Vicki, "If they had their tongues any further down each others throats, they'd have to be surgically separated!"

"What's yer problem?" asked Zoe, deciding to tease her just a little, "Anyone'd think ya were jealous or somethin'! I know what Ronny’s problem is, but what’s yer excuse?!”

"Who, me!" Vicki sounded outraged. "I am NOT jealous!"

"Don't sound like it ..." Kelly said innocently, "Maybe ya've secretly got a bit of a thing for Mickey and ..."

"Awww, come on, you two; don't ..." Spencer tried to calm things down, secretly feeling a little jealous himself that Vicki was so bothered about who Mickey was with. He had noticed how well they had been getting on lately ...

"I'm not listening to this - I'm going!" snapped Vicki angrily, her voice getting louder and louder as she got more worked up, "This place is rubbish anyway and I don't know who she thinks she is - her family can't just waltz in and try to take over! So she works in a club, that doesn't make her special - 'specially just doing bar work in a shoddy place like this. Why would I need to be jealous of her? And I do NOT have a thing for Mickey - if he's too stupid to see what she's like, that's his problem! I just don't like seeing a mate wrapped round someone's finger like that ..."

Everyone listening stood there with their mouths open in surprise at such a rant which seemed to come from nowhere - they didn't expect Vicki to be the biggest fan of the rival club, but they also hadn't expected her to be so hostile to Charlie after the favour she had done them all. And they got the distinct impression there could be trouble when they noticed that Charlie had heard what had been said and was pulling away from Mickey to head their way, in spite of him trying to persuade her to let it go.

"Charlie, babe, don't." said Mickey, trying to smooth things over. "She's just upset 'cos she knows 'ow this place'll affect Angie's Den - she don't mean it ..."

"I just want to know what's going on, Mickey." said Charlie firmly, "If she's got a problem with me, she can tell me to my face instead of bitching about me behind my back!"

Mickey sighed and could do nothing but follow her, hoping to at least stop things from getting out of hand ...

*

to be continued...

[di marco]

wow, GREAT! :D mickey and charlie are so sweet! but i can sense trouble between charlie and vikki. cant wait for the next part

[Torrie]

17.
Charlie tried to keep a hold of her temper, but when she found herself stood in front of Vicki, that all went out the window.

"What is your problem?" she asked angrily, "What the hell have I done to make you talk about me like that? I thought I was doing you a favour and you turn round and ..."

"Oh really?" snapped Vicki in return, "You thought by giving us a few tickets and a couple of drinks, you could buy your way in - make us forget you don't belong here!"

Her words stung deeply as they struck a little too close to home - Charlie had hoped it would serve as an ice-breaker so she could make some new friends, but she had never seen it as a bribe ...

"Well, you didn't have to come!" Charlie said, trying not to show how much the words had hurt. "No one forced you and I wouldn't have cared if you hadn't!"

"Girls, girls, girls!" said Mickey with an uneasy laugh, not wanting this to end with someone saying or doing something they'd really regret. "We don't need all this - lets just ..."

"Shut up, Mickey!" they both said at the same time while still glaring at each other, making him quickly back down with his hands held up in defeat. At least he'd tried ...

"I didn't want to come in the first place, " Vicki said coldly, "But lover-boy here made me! Still, you needn't worry - I'm not sticking around in this dump!"

With that, she stormed off leaving Charlie staring after her, her shoulders slumped wearily.

"I'm so sorry about that." she said to the others, sounding upset. "I know she's your friend and I'll understand if you want to go ..."

"She is a mate and we ain't gonna take sides," said Zoe, "But she was well outta order then - we know it ain't yer fault."

"Yeah," added Kelly, "Don't worry 'bout 'er - she's 'ad a face like a wet weekend all night! She'll get over it, innit?"

Charlie smiled unsurely, still looking a little crestfallen, but cheering up a little when Mickey slipped his arm round her shoulders and pulled her close to him.

"They're right," he said softly, "Don't worry 'bout it, alright, darlin'?"

She nodded resignedly and leaned her head against his shoulder with a sigh, trying to relax after getting so tense. However, after only a few seconds, she straightened up with a determined look on her face and shook her head.

"No!" she said firmly, "This is stupid - I'm not gonna have this turning into some big feud and having you lot dragged into the middle of it! I'm gonna go talk to her and get this sorted out before it goes any further!"

"Are ya sure that's such a good idea?" asked Mickey, but there was no point trying to talk her out of it - she had made up her mind and he was already finding out that Charlie could be surprisingly stubborn!

"Yeah, I'm sure - don't worry, it won't take long. Any ideas where she might go?"

"If she didn't go home, she'd probably head to Angie's Den, yeah?" offered Gus, "Or if she wants to go cool off somewhere, maybe the playground?"

"Okay, if anyone asks, none of you have seen me! I'll be back soon!" said Charlie, giving Mickey a quick kiss on the cheek before hurrying out of the club.

*

Meanwhile, at Angie's Den, the night had been pretty much a waste of time - the club had been hit hard by Platform 10's opening night and it had been dead all night.

"Cheer up, Dennis!" said Sharon, sounding surprisingly calm. "We knew the opening night would have this effect - people are bound to be curious about somewhere new, but I guarantee tomorrow night's a different story!"

"I hope yer right!" he grumbled from behind the bar, where he looked decidedly bored. "Call it a night then?"

"Yeah, doesn't look like there's much point hanging around ..." nodded Sharon.

"How 'bout one for the road?"

"I don't really feel like it - you 'ave one if you like, or I could make us coffee back at the flat?"

Dennis shrugged easily - any excuse to spend time alone with her, even if he couldn't tell her his real feelings for her, was fine by him.

"Yeah, that'll do." he smiled, "You head on and I'll lock up - I'll catch up with ya."

By the time Sharon had collected the paperwork she had been meaning to take home and her coat, Dennis was ready to go anyway, so they quickly switched off the lights, set the alarms and locked up before heading home, not realising that they had only missed meeting their little sister by a couple of minutes.

*

Vicki was surprised to find Angie's Den all closed up when she got there and she checked her watch - it only made her angrier when it dawned on her that it must have been so quiet that they had to close early. That place was already causing trouble ... Still, she wanted to be on her own to brood over what had happened and it was too cold to be outside. Since she had her keys and knew the codes for the alarms, she checked no one was around and then let herself into the club. She mixed herself a drink behind the bar and then went to sit in Sharon's office, turning off all the lights except the little desk lamp. Why did someone else have to open a club in the Square - everything had been going so well until now ... She tried to tell herself she was right to tell Charlie a few home truths, whether she liked it or not, but deep down she could hardly believe the way she had acted. She was glad she had left when she had and that she could just concentrate on avoiding the newcomers from now on - but what Vicki didn't realise was that Charlie had followed her and been just in time to spot her going into Angie's Den, waiting a moment and then following her inside.

Charlie walked through the club, looking around curiously and inwardly comparing it to Platform 10 - she really didn't see what the problem was as both clubs were different, but neither was significantly better or worse then the other. Wondering if this was such a good idea after all, she noticed the light was on in what she assumed was an office and made her way over to the door, even knocking on it just in case it wasn't Vicki inside, but not waiting for a response before pushing it open and walking in.

"You!" gasped Vicki, jumping when the door opened unexpectedly, "What the hell are do you think you're doing here?"

"I wanna talk to ya." said Charlie, trying to stay calm, "I'm not here to fight - I just think we shouldn't let this get outta hand ... Nice place ya got here, by the way."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

Charlie sighed impatiently, "Why do you always have to be so defensive - it was meant to be a compliment! What have you got against me?"

"You really have to ask?"

"I wouldn't have asked if I knew the answer!" she said wryly, "I know you don't like the idea of a rival club, but we aren't out to put you guys out of business. Come on, Vicki, you should know there'd be no point in us trying to pull a stunt like that - this is the established business, if we didn't think there was room here for two clubs, we wouldn't bother going up against you - we'd be the ones losing out!"

"You would say that!"

"Because it's true!" snapped Charlie, her temper beginning to fray again and she took a deep breath to try to calm down. She was about to speak again, when she paused and sniffed the air, wrinkling up her nose as Vicki watched suspiciously.

"Oh very mature!" Vicki said sarcastically, "There's no bad smell in here!"

"Oh shut up, Vicki! Don't you smell, like burning or something?"

"No!" said Vicki quickly, but then she paused noticing there was a slight hint of smoke which seemed to be getting stronger. "Something IS burning!" she added in concern.

*

to be continued...

[di marco]

GREAT! :D cant wait to find out what happens. hope sharon and dennis get together and that vikki and charlie sort out their differences. also hope theyre not hurt in the fire. more soon please! :)

[Torrie]

18.
Having been in Angie's Den to witness the fact that it was practically empty and would have to close early, Billy decided to take full advantage of the situation and put his plan into action. He spoke briefly to Dennis, making sure the younger man saw him leave so that he would not be as likely to connect him with anything which might happen later. Watching from the shadows outside, he waited until he saw Dennis and Sharon lock up and leave and then hurried to get his supplies before returning - unfortunately, he did not realise that, in that time, Vicki had returned to the club and let herself in, or that Charlie had followed her there. As far as Billy Mitchell was concerned, the place had been abandoned for the night ...

When he was stood there with a bottle of Scotch, a box of matches and a cushion, he felt a moment of guilt and considered just getting out of there as fast as possible. But he thought of what Sam had said about family loyalty and about his current situation with Little Mo. Sam was right – it was about time he took control again … Letting all his anger at what Graham had done to his wife, and how it was now destroying his marriage, take over, he poured the alcohol over the cushion and struck the match. He paused for a second, taking a picture of himself and Little Mo from his pocket and looking at it before touching the flame to its edge. He watched the fire lick at the photo, curling the edges before eating away at the image, and he closed his eyes as he dropped the burning photo onto the soaked cushion. When he opened his eyes again, the cushion was ablaze and the fire was catching hold of the seating he had placed it on and the nearby curtains - his job was done; it was time to get out ...

*

"I think it's coming from out there ..." said Charlie.

"Well, obviously!" said Vicki scornfully, still determined not to give the girl a break. She winced as the smoke detectors began to blare urgently and got up from Sharon's office chair to open the door, gasping at what she saw and shutting it again in a hurry.

"What?!" said Charlie anxiously, seeing the look on her face.

"The club's on fire! There's smoke everywhere!"

And sure enough, smoke was already streaming underneath the door and the smell of burning was getting stronger.

"What are we going to do?" panicked Vicki, before grabbing the office phone to try to call the fire brigade. "The line's dead!"

"Well, we can't stay here to burn!" said Charlie grimly, heading for the door.

"Don't open it!" Vicki wailed in alarm, "You can't let the fire in here - we'll get killed! Oh, how can this be happening?! This club means everything to Sharon!"

"There's no point thinking about that!" said Charlie sharply, "We have to concentrate on getting out of here - now will ya shift!"

Slowly Charlie opened the door, paling when she saw the extent of the flames and almost immediately beginning to cough as the smoke stung her throat and made her eyes water. At first she could only stand there in shock, wondering how the fire could have spread so quickly, until her reflexes kicked in and she knew they had to get out while they still could.

"Vicki! Come on!" she yelled over the roar of the fire, covering her mouth with her arm as she tried to make her way through the burning club, turning round to make sure the other girl was following. Although she was trying to stay calm, and was doing a much better job of it than Vicki, Charlie was inwardly terrified - she was rapidly beginning to wish she had let Mickey talk her out of following Vicki; if it hadn’t been for some stupid row, neither she nor Vicki might have been in this mess!

*

Charlie struggled towards where she thought the exit was, unable to see very far as the thick smoke now filled the whole club and made her choke repeatedly. She kept glancing around, trying to avoid the burning debris which fell around her and also to check that Vicki was behind her. For a moment, she couldn't make her out and she paused, coughing and trying to see through the haze, finally realising that the other girl was trying to reach the fire extinguisher instead of following her out of the blaze.

"Vicki - ya daft cow!" she yelled, "It's too bad for that - we gotta get OUT! NOW!"

It seemed that Vicki was either choosing to ignore her or that she couldn't hear her over the roaring flames, the sound of the fire alarms and the cracks and crashes as the club began to burn more intensely. Charlie looked longingly at the doorway, but she couldn't leave the other girl there - no matter how much they disliked each other. She tried to cover her mouth with her hand as the smoke burned her throat and lungs and she gasped for breath, only succeeding in taking in more of the smoke filled air. Slowly, she followed Vicki as she disappeared into the smoke. The heat was incredible and she was now really, really scared - she couldn't see the way out anymore, she could only keep going in search of Vicki.

"VICKI!" she yelled, between coughs, "Where are you?"

Hardly able to breathe, she struggled onwards, ducking as burning pieces of the roof caved in and stumbling when she tripped over something or when her legs threatened to give way beneath her. Tears ran down her cheeks, both from fear and from the smoke stinging her eyes until she could barely see. She could no longer yell; her shouts not much more than whispered sobs. Rapidly weakening, she slowly sank to the ground, gasping for breath and trying to somehow find the strength to keep going. Just when she wanted to give up, she caught sight of Vicki lying next to the fire extinguisher, having reached it only to pass out from smoke inhalation.

“Vicki …” she tried, slightly encouraged by having found the other girl and forcing herself to her feet again.

Charlie brushed her sweat dampened dark hair back from her face, her skin feeling scorched under her hand, and stumbled over to Vicki, kneeling to try to get her to her feet.

“Come on, help me out here!” she pleaded to the unconscious girl as she tried to rouse her.

Somehow she managed to haul her upright and she began to try to drag the girl in what she could only hope was the direction of the exit. She cried out as flames blocked their way, licking at her legs and burning her hands.

"HELP!" she screamed at the top of her voice as she tried to back away, but she was in despair - there was no one to hear her and nowhere for her to go. "Please, somebody help us!"

Under Vicki's dead weight and the pressure on her lungs from lack of oxygen, she stumbled and completely lost her footing. She fell heavily, striking her head hard on the floor and knocking herself out - the darkness almost seeming a relief as the smoke seemed to clear, the roar of flames quieten, and then everything just went black and still …

*

to be continued...

[di marco]

oh no! hope theyre alright! that was really well written. i could really picture the scene and the atmosphere in the club. cant wait to see what happens next, hope theres more to come! :D

[Rach33]

This is fab keep it coming can't wait 4 da next bit

[Torrie]

Thanks for reading! :D

19.
The group of young friends were still in Platform 10, hoping Charlie would come back soon and fill them in on what had happened with Vicki - they weren't too sure it had been a good idea to let her go after her like that, but it was too late now. They were standing around chatting and still enjoying the music when they heard a murmur of gossip run through the other club goers like wildfire.

"Have ya 'eard?"

"Does Sharon know yet?"

"Wonder what 'appened?"

"That Dennis 'as a lot of enemies ..."

Guessing from what they overheard that the Watts were involved, the group wondered what was going on as lots of people seemed to be heading outside. Curious to know what could have caused such a stir, they followed and ended up standing around, still not realising what was going on. It was only when they wandered further from Platform 10 that the other club came into their line of vision and they stared in shock at the burning building, the implications of what they were seeing not really sinking in at first.

“Oh no, look at it!” exclaimed Sonia, “Sharon’s gonna be gutted!”

“Guess it’s a good thing they closed early after all.” commented a passer-by, “Woulda been worse if there’d been people in there …”

The innocent, well-meant words produced an instant, if unexpected, response as the youngsters turned to each other in disbelief, each thinking the same thing.

“Oh my God, Vicki and Charlie!”

“They couldn’t be!”

“What if they’re in there?”


*

"What's goin' on?" asked Gary outside Angie's Den where a large crowd had gathered, mostly those who had just been passing or had emptied out of the Vic or Platform 10 to find out what had happened - a question to which there was a rather obvious answer, given that there was smoke pouring out of the club and flames flickered at the windows.

"It's on fire, innit?" informed Jim knowledgably, while Dot told him off for standing too close.

"Oh I say, come back out of the way, you old fool!" she called, "It's a job for the fire brigade and we can't have you getting in the way! Terrible thing to 'appen, ain't it? Whatever will Sharon say, losing her livelihood just like that? Still ‘The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away" – Job 1:21 …”

Someone else yelled that they were going to get Dennis and Sharon, but Mickey wasn't paying attention to any of that. He was shoving his way through the crowd that had gathered to the side entrance, kicking it desperately as he tried to get in.

"Mickey! Leave it, man - let the fire brigade deal with it!" Ronny said, trying to pull him away, while the others looked on in horror.

"NO!" he yelled, "Charlie's in there! An' Vicki! We can’t just stand ‘ere doin’ nothin’!"

"It's too dangerous!" someone else tried to reason, but he pulled away and continued pounding on the door.

Suddenly, he heard a frantic scream and he looked round for a second, seeing Dennis struggling to hold Sharon from rushing to the building as they arrived to see their beloved club burning out of control.

"Get a hold of yerself, Sharon!" Dennis said firmly, looking grim-faced at their livelihood going up in smoke, literally, but having to be strong for Sharon. "It could be worse, remember - at least there ain't no one in there!"

"Dennis!" yelled Mickey, overhearing, "Quick, there is someone in there ..."

"What? Who?" snapped Dennis disbelievingly.

"Vicki and ..." said Mickey, unable to think of breaking the news to them gently - there was no time for that – and getting cut off before he could even finish.

"Oh God, no!" gasped Sharon and Dennis had to grab her again to stop her making another dash for the building.

"You can't - it's too dangerous!" said Dennis, as horrified as she was that Vicki was in there, but determined to keep at least one of them safe.

"We have to get her out!" Sharon sobbed uncontrollably, "We can't just stand here ..."

"I'LL go." said Dennis in a tone that would allow for no arguments. "Promise you'll wait here - promise me, Sharon! The best thing you can do is make sure someone thought to call the fire brigade."

She nodded numbly, tears streaming down her face as Dennis turned quickly to Mickey.

"Who else is in there?"

"Charlie ..."

"Charlie SLATER?!" said Dennis, obviously confused.

"Charlie Saunders - her mum owns Platform 10 ..."

To Dennis, that information made no more sense than if it HAD been Charlie Slater, but there was no more time for questions so he simply nodded and ran towards the club, with Mickey following. They both tried breaking down the side door with no luck until the sound of exploding glass from inside served to increase the urgency of the situation and they somehow found the strength to try again, this time feeling the door give beneath their combined weight. The heat of the flames and the rush of escaping smoke instantly made them recoil, but Dennis simply paused to cover his mouth with his arm and then charged ahead regardless.

"Vicki!" he yelled between coughing fits, alarmed to see just how bad it actually was inside, "VICKI! Where are you?

His eyes narrowed against the onslaught of the stinging smoke, Dennis was already feeling the full force of the fire when he spotted the figures of the two girls crumpled on the floor beside each other. However, his path to them was hampered by the debris caused by parts of the roof caving in as the club burned more and more fiercely. Suddenly he heard his name being called and turned to see Mickey struggling to catch up.

“Where … where are they?” the younger man asked, doubled over and gasping for air.

Dennis pointed to where the girls lay and then turned his attention to trying to clear a path to them.

“This way!” he yelled to Mickey as he found a less obstructed route and hurried to his little sister’s side. “I’ll take Vicki, you get Charlie.”

Fearful for his sister, Dennis wasted little time scooping her easily into his arms, relieved to see her starting to come round even as he did so and instinctively holding onto him. As her eyes opened groggily, he saw the fear in them and gently turned her head in against his shoulder, trying to protect her from both the sight of the burning club and the thick smoke.

“Come ON, Mickey!” he urged.

“I’m tryin’! She’s … she’s trapped – I can’t shift ‘er!” Mickey said desperately as he tried to lift the heavy beam pinning Charlie’s legs to the floor, swearing as he only managed to burn his hands in his attempt. “God, she’s ‘urt too – ‘er ‘ead’s bleedin’ pretty bad …”

Torn between helping to free the injured girl and getting Vicki to safety, Dennis didn’t know what to do and he knew he didn’t have time to think about it.

“I’m gonna … Wait, someone’s coming!” Dennis broke off, shocked to see one of the Mitchells ploughing through the smoke – the Mitchells were the last people he thought he’d see helping a Watts. “Billy?!”

But there wasn’t time. In fact, Dennis could only make a snap decision and he acted on it immediately, lifted Vicki into Billy’s arms and pushing him back in the direction he came from.

“Take ‘er and get outta ‘ere – NOW! GO!” he bellowed at the dazed man who, unknown to Dennis, was still trying to take in that he had caused this destruction and that he was the one responsible for endangering the two innocent young women.

Realising the difficult which lay in rescuing the second of the victims of the fire, Billy understood and turned to try to find a way back out, leaving Dennis and Mickey still struggling to save the youngest of the Saunders family. He had passed by the club to check the results of his handiwork and, though unsurprised by the commotion outside, he had been thrown by the news that the club was not empty – he had never intended for this to happen and he was now finding himself in over his head. He could only tell himself that he had to at least get Vicki to safety – he owed her that much …

*

Outside, Sam and Minty had returned from their meal in the local Indian restaurant, which had been their attempt at providing alibis for themselves, and were trying to hide how pleased they were that everything was going to plan.

"Terrible, ain't it?" said Sam with false sympathy and Pat, who had overheard her, agreed.

"I'll say - poor Sharon must be going out of 'er mind!"

"But it coulda been worse, eh?" Sam smiled sombrely, "At least no one was inside ..."

"Oh, ain't ya 'eard, love?" said Pat, looking surprised. "Vicki and the daughter of that woman who owns the new club are trapped in there!"

"What?! But - but ..." Sam stammered in shock - this wasn't how it was supposed to go!

Luckily for her, Minty was there to stop her saying more than she should have and he guided her to a quiet spot, away from the rest of the crowd.

"There wasn't meant to be anyone in there!" she said in a panic.

"This ain't the time or the place, Sam." warned Minty.

"What if they die?" she said, with a pleading look that suggested she was well and truly out of her depth, all attempts at confidence wiped away. "They're barely more than kids, Minty ... What if they DIE?”

*

to be continued...

[Rach33]

Fab as usual I was getting all excited Dennis doing his manly bit ohhhhhhhh sexy

[Torrie]

Glad you like it - more manly Dennis up next! :D And who will survive ...?

20.
The Mitchells were not the only ones worrying about the extent of the fire’s impact, though their motives did seem more about self-preservation than others. Gossip was already spreading rapidly round the Square with rumours taking hold, as they always will when news is second-hand in nature, and the stories varying until few people were quite sure of exactly who was inside the building and how bad the situation was.

“Zoë!” yelled Kat as she pushed hurriedly through the crowds, looking for her daughter. “Oh, Spencer, thank God – Alfie’s been doin’ his nut! Where’s Zoë? Is she alright?”

“Yeah, she’s fine, Kat – we were nowhere near when it happened.” Spencer explained, “Zoë’s over there somewhere with Kelly – she’s a bit upset, but she’s not hurt or anything like that.”

“Go find Alfie and tell ‘im I’ll be back as soon as I’ve seen Zo, alright?” she asked, needing to see for herself that her daughter was safe. “Zoë, oh darlin’!” she exclaimed in relief as she caught up with the tall brunette, giving her a brief but tight hug. “And Kelly,” she continued, not leaving out the little blonde who was practically family now but hugging her too. “Thank God yer both alright – we’ve been worried sick since we ‘eard what ‘appened and then we couldn’t find out where ya were …”

“We’re fine, Kat.” Zoë said, although she looked shaken by what was going on around them and glad to see her mum.

“Is there anyone still inside?”

“Yeah … God, it’s such a mess! We’re pretty sure Vicki went there and Charlie followed ‘er so they must both be inside and now Dennis and Mickey are in there too …” explained Kelly, looking around frantically, “And why ain’t the fire brigade ‘ere yet?”

“I’m sure they’re on their way …” Kat tried to assure them, but she was helpless to do anything other than watch with the two girls and hope those inside would make it, painfully aware of Sharon standing as close as those supporting her would allow, straining to see any sign of her brother or sister. Hearing her choked sobs, Kat could only imagine what she must be going through and thank God that she didn’t have to really know as she held her daughter tighter.

“Kat, look!” exclaimed Zoe suddenly, “Someone’s comin’ out! That’s … but that’s Billy Mitchell – I didn’t see ‘im go in! Is that Vicki? What about Charlie?”

“I dunno, darlin’, I’m sure she’ll be alright …” said Kat, as she saw Sharon break away from those who had been holding her back from the fire to run to check on her little sister. “It’ll be okay, Zo.”

*

“Right,” said Dennis, having taken charge of the situation. “When I lift that beam, you try to slide her out …”

“But …”

“Mickey, if ya got a better idea, go ahead ‘cos I can ‘ardly breathe ‘ere!”

“I’m just sayin’ what if we make it worse?”

Dennis paused for a second, taking in the anxious look on Mickey’s face – the same thought had crossed his own mind; he was no doctor, but he knew moving someone involved the risk of aggravating their injuries but, as another coughing fit came over him, he simply gestured around the burning building.

“It’s a risk we gotta take – she ain’t got a chance in ‘ere. An’ neither do we so get a move on!”

Wiping the sweat from his brow, Mickey crouched beside Charlie’s still form and watched on edge as Dennis grabbed the beam pinning the girl to the floor. At first, he couldn’t even shift it, but with the strain showing on his face, he finally managed to hoist the beam off her by a few inches. Struggling to even hold it, he somehow levered it a little further and then braced himself to keep it there.

“NOW!” he gasped, “Quick – I can’t … ‘old it …”

Just as the beam slid out of his grasp, tearing at his palms, Mickey dragged Charlie free; narrowly avoiding getting hit by it.

“Is she alright?” asked Dennis from where he stood, doubled over with his hands on his knees, trying to catch his breath – an impossible task in the smoke-filled club.

“I dunno – she don’t look good …” Mickey told him, trying to gently brush Charlie’s hair off her face. “Is there still a way out?”

“If there ain’t … We’ll make one.” said Dennis with grim determination as he straightened up, “Come on.”

*

Wondering why the club had emptied so suddenly and alerted by the sound of sirens so close by, Dani headed to the door of Platform 10 and looked down the street.

"What's all the commotion about, Shaun?" she asked the bouncer who had reluctantly stayed in his position in spite of what was going on just down the road.

"Fire, by the looks of it – I reckon our competition just went up in smoke!" he said.

"God, has anyone been hurt?"

"Dunno – from what I’ve heard, the place was shut, but I think that kid of Den Watts’s was in there ..."

"I'm gonna go see what's happening," said Dani, "Keep your eyes peeled - we don't want anyone taking advantage of this chaos and trying anything silly. Troublemakers never miss an opportunity."

With that, she headed in the direction of Angie's Den and, on seeing the extent of the fire, couldn't help feeling relieved that it wasn't Platform 10 burning and that it wasn't her little sister inside instead of Sharon's. She instantly felt guilty for thinking like that, imagining how Sharon must be feeling.

"Those poor kids," she heard someone say, "Vicki's been through enough lately, what with the crash in Scotland and that other girl, she's only just moved 'ere, ain't she?"

The words instantly triggered a feeling of dread and Dani turned to the speaker urgently.

"Isn't there just one girl in there?" she asked quickly.

"Oh, ain’t ya ‘eard?" Natalie told her, not realising who she was. "Nah, there were two people inside - Vicki Fowler and someone from that new club - they’ve just got Vicki out, but we ain’t ‘eard anymore since then … Are you okay?"

Dani had turned pale and her hand flew to her mouth in shock at Natalie's words.

"Oh my God, Charlie!" she cried, not waiting to hear more but setting off at a run towards the crowd closest to Angie’s Den.

Surprised by the apparent stranger's reaction and the way in which she took off in a hurry, Natalie turned to Pat who could only shrug. "Do you think she's from the club too?"

“Dunno, love – I ain’t met any of ‘em yet. Oh, look – something’s ‘appened!”

*

Carrying Charlie between them, Dennis and Mickey fought their way through the ruined club, enduring one particularly difficult moment when neither thought they were going to find a way out before the smoke got the better of them. However, they kept going and almost before they realised they were out, they could feel the cool night air hitting their scorched faces – a welcome relief after the intense heat of the blaze. The whole thing took on a surreal edge as they barely registered the shocked faces surrounding them, a murmur rippling around the crowd that both girls had now been found. Everything seemed to be drowned out by the sound of sirens and they had only just lowered Charlie carefully to the ground when the fire fighters rushed past to tackle the blaze and the paramedics descended on them.

“We need to get you checked out.” Mickey heard one paramedic tell him, but he was more concerned with finding out how Charlie was – he could only catch a glimpse of her before he herded away to the back of an ambulance and handed an oxygen mask and what he saw did little to reassure him. She was deathly pale, the wound on her head and the burns she had sustained livid in contrast, but no one would tell him anything. From what he could hear, Dennis was getting much the same treatment as he could hear him protesting loudly and demanding to see his sister – it didn’t sound like he was getting anywhere though.

“I’m alright!” he insisted, pulling off the mask and trying to get up. “The girl we brought out – ‘ow is she?”

But before he got an answer, they all heard the sound of an explosion from inside the building and those in the crowd screamed and dived back to try to avoid the glass which flew from every remaining window. It looked like there would hardly be so much as a shell left of Angie’s Den, but Sharon was already weeping uncontrollably at the sight of her little sister being loaded into an ambulance – she didn’t have any tears left for her club.

*

to be continued...

[di marco]

WOW!!! :D just read the last 2 parts. great as usual. aawwwwww dennis acting the hero! :) hope vikki and charlie are alright. hope theres more soon, cant wait to find out what happens

[Torrie]

21.
With the fire brigade setting about tackling the blaze and quickly managing to at least stop the fire from spreading, all thoughts turned to the victims and their rescuers. Well-meaning bystanders crowded around offering sympathy, support, advice and criticism in equal measures as they tried to establish why the girls had been inside the club after it had closed, what had happened to start the blaze and how they had narrowly escaped a worse fate.

Pushing aside the paramedic trying to convince him he needed medical assistance, Dennis tried to get rid of some of the onlookers, waving impatiently at them to get back and give them some room.

“Show’s over.” he snapped, making his way to Sharon’s side, just in time for her to turn to him for comfort in her distress and he gladly wrapped her in his arms.

"Shhhh, Sharon," he said soothingly, "She's in good hands ..."

“I couldn’t have taken it if I’d lost either of you … And after Tom – I couldn’t believe it might be happening again …” she managed between sobs. "Why was she even in there?"

"That ain't important now ..."

"I know, I know ..." she said, trying to wipe away tears. "What about you - you alright? Why didn’t you come out with Vicki?"

"I'm fine and I’ll fill ya in later. Stop worrying! Right now we can just be thankful we got ‘er outta there."

"You, going in there like that ... And Mickey and Billy too - if it hadn't been for you ..."

"Now, don't think like that." instructed Dennis, "Where is Billy anyway?”

“I … I dunno – I was too preoccupied with Vicki to pay much attention. Someone said he just took off …”

“I guess he’s alright then. There, it looks like they’re getting the ambulance ready to go – come on.”

"About time!" exclaimed Sharon, hurrying to her sister's side and taking her hand, trying not to cry in front of the still dazed girl.

However, while Vicki was about to be taken to hospital, the paramedics were still working on Charlie beside the club while Mickey hovered around anxiously, trying to find out what was wrong.

"She is gonna be alright, ain't she?" he asked, a worried look on his face as he still coughed harshly due to the smoke he had inhaled.

"We're doing everything we can - now I suggest you let someone check you over just ..."

"Just in case.” Mickey finished for him. “I know, I know! But I’ll be alright – I don’t need it. I just wanna know ‘ow she is!" he insisted stubbornly.

Before he could get his answer though, they were interrupted by the arrival of Dani Saunders, who frantically demanded to know what had happened to her sister before spotting her and gasping in alarm.

"Is she okay? What's happening to her?" she asked tearfully. “And why was she even in there? She was meant to be working!”

"Please, if you could just give us some room to do our job, we’ll know more about her condition when we get her to hospital – are you family?”

“Yes, she’s my little sister - our mother should know what's happening ..."

"You must be Carla Saunders’ eldest," said Sharon, overhearing and tearing herself from Vicki’s side for a second to introduce herself "I've gotta go with Vicki in the other ambulance, but I’ll get someone to get a message to your mum – I know you’ll want to stay with your sister."

Nodding gratefully, Dani turned back to see her sister was finally being stretchered into an ambulance. “I guess we’ll see you at the hospital.” she added to Sharon, over her shoulder before hurrying so as not to lose sight of Charlie for a second.

*

Later, at the hospital, Sharon and Dennis were waiting outside Vicki's cubicle while the doctor examined her, anxious to know that their young sister was going to be okay.

"I don't know what I'd have done if I'd lost her ..." sighed Sharon, almost giving way to tears again. "It's bad enough losing Angie's Den, but if I'd lost her too ... That club was my life, but I'd have happily given it all to see her safe."

"I know, Sharon, but there's no point upsetting yourself." said Dennis, "She's safe and we don't know how bad things are at the club, maybe we'll be able to salvage it ... As long as we're together, we'll be fine." he said, adding after a slightly uncomfortable pause, "All three of us, I mean."

Sharon nodded, relieved when he finished his sentence. "Yeah, family's what counts. We concentrate on getting Vicki better, then we can think about the club. Maybe I should call dad ..."

"No!" said Dennis, a little too quickly, "Well, I mean, there ain't much he could do, is there? And it ain't like yer on yer own - ya got me ..."

"Dennis ..." Sharon said, a warning tone in her voice showing that he was treading on thin ice and that he shouldn't push the issue too far.

"I'm just sayin' I wanna be 'ere for you ..." he said hesitantly, focusing his gaze on the bandages which covered the tears left on the palms of his hands by the beam which he had lifted to free Charlie.

"Dennis, right now I just need you to be my brother - to be there for the family, for Vicki."

"And you?"

"Well, yes - but it can't be ..." she broke off warily as a doctor emerged from behind the curtain. "This ain't the time or the place." she hissed, before turning to speak to the doctor.

"Fine!" snapped Dennis with a frown, wondering when she would ever consider it to be the right time. He didn't know how much longer he could keep up this charade - how he could keep pretending he didn't care about her as so much more than just a sister.

*

In another part of the hospital, not too far away, Mickey had been duly treated, escaping with nothing more than the advice to take things easy for a few days, and now sat with his head in his hands on an uncomfortable plastic chair in the corridor. Sharon had been as good as her word and had ensured that someone in the crowd went to let Carla Saunders know what had happened and as soon as she had received the message, she had taken a cab to the hospital, frantic to see her youngest daughter. Both she and Dani had been with Charlie ever since the doctor had allowed them to be by her bedside and Mickey was desperate to see her or at least find out how she was. Finally, after what seemed like forever, Dani emerged into the corridor with tear-stained cheeks and Mickey jumped to his feet.

"What's 'appening? 'Ow is she?" he asked, for what felt like the thousandth time, anxiously hoping he would get more of an answer this time.

"Still unconscious." she managed, wiping at her eyes. "They need her to wake up so they can find out the extent of her head injury. Listen, Mickey, what you did – you and Dennis - you saved her life … If you hadn’t done what you did, she wouldn’t even have a chance ..."

"So ‘ow serious is it?" he asked, not liking how she was talking.

"They’re not really telling us anything ..." Dani said, choking back tears. "Just that she’s ‘stable’, which doesn’t really mean much when it’s your little sister and she’s … she’s unconscious … and … God, I can’t believe this is happening! We only just moved here – I thought the biggest problem she’d have to face would be settling in and making new friends but no, Charlie never did do things by halves!” She sighed and sat down, leaning her head against the wall. “I had to get out of there for a second …” she explained, “And I knew you’d want to see her – just give mum a few more minutes; she’s not handling this too well … How are the others?”

“Ummm, not too bad.” Mickey said, “Billy - the guy who got Vicki out – said he was fine and took off straight after; Dennis ‘ad to get cuts on his hands seen to and Vicki’s already demanding to be allowed ‘ome! She breathed in a lot more smoke and ‘as a few burns an’ stuff, but she’s gonna be fine …”

“And you?”

He simply shrugged his shoulders. “Got a bit of a cough, a few burns … nothin’ serious …”

“Thank you for what you did, Mickey.” Dani said sincerely, “I know mum’ll want to thank you too – when she’s not so worried. She’s usually pretty good in a crisis, but Charlie’s the baby of the family …”

Mickey nodded in understanding but resorted to pacing the floor impatiently until Dani took pity on him and said she would have a word with her mother. He followed her into the side room and it instantly wrenched at his heart to see Charlie lying so pale and still in that big hospital bed, surrounded by monitors and machines. Her long dark hair was strewn across the pillows, drawing attention to the stark contrast of her pale skin, now marred by a few cuts, bruises and burns. Her eyes were closed and her breathing was shallow, the wound on her head covered by a blood soaked bandage. Her mother sat by her bedside, her eyes not leaving her youngest daughter's face even at the distraction caused by their entrance.

"Mum," said Dani gently, to get her attention, "How about we go get you a nice cup of tea?"

"I can't - we can't leave her! She needs us to be here for her, my little girl ..."

"It's okay, mum - it'll only be for a little while. You need to take a break and we should give Mickey some time with Charlie - she'd want him to be here too." Dani gently guided her mother from the room, smiling weakly at Mickey as she did so.

He turned his attention back to the bed and moved to Charlie's side, reaching out to her. At first, he was almost scared to touch her, but then he took her hand in his and sat down …

*

to be continued...

[Rach33]

Brill as usual please post more soon **STARING LONGINGLY AT YOUR PICS OF JAKE AND CHRISSIE**

[Torrie]

Thanks for reading! Just changed my pics, lol - couldn't resist! If you want, I could have a go making a sig for you :)

22.
Desperate to avoid the inquisitive questions of the crowds, Billy Mitchell had wasted little time in making himself scarce. His head still reeling with thoughts of the consequences brought about by his actions, he had emerged from the burning ruin of Angie’s Den with Vicki in his arms and simply handed her over to the paramedics before slipping away into the shadows. Luckily, Sharon was too preoccupied with her little sister to wonder about her rescuer until he was well away from the area. He did want to know about the conditions of the two girls, but he didn’t want to hang around long enough for people to start asking awkward questions and so, he had to settle for hurrying back to the flat which he usually shared with Little Mo.

Wishing more than ever that she would still be there to make everything seem all right again, he had no sooner locked the door than he sank to the floor, leaning against the wall and burying his face in his hands. He had done things in the past he was ashamed of – how he had treated Jamie being one that really stood out – but he had almost been responsible for the deaths of two innocent girls. That was more, much more, than he could bear to think about.

*

Back at the hospital, Mickey was trying to think of something to say to Charlie, not sure if she could even hear him but not wanting to just sit there, listening to the low beeps of the monitors surrounding her.

"Sooo ..." he began softly, trying to keep it light-hearted. "Some night, huh? Not really where I'd planned endin' up - I mean, I was hopin' there might be some sorta spark with us, but I wasn't countin' on anywhere burnin' down, ya know?! And just ‘cos I told ya all those stories ‘bout the excitement round ‘ere, ya didn’t ‘ave to try out-doin’ ‘em! Hope ya ain't regrettin' movin' 'ere already, I think yer mum is - not that I'd blame ya, either of ya ..."

He paused for a second, looking around the hospital room and then back to Charlie, starting in surprise as he thought he was just in time to see her eyelashes flicker slightly.

"Charlie?" he tried hopefully, "Ya awake?"

But there was no response and he settled back in his seat with a disappointed sigh, trying to think of what to say next – just wanting to keep talking in the hope that she could hear him and would wake up.

“Ya hafta get better, babe …” he said softly, sounding almost as if he was pleading with her as he held her hand and gently rubbed his thumb over the back of it. “Ya hafta ‘cos … well, I was plannin’ on askin’ ya out, remember? And I ain’t givin’ Ronny the chance of sayin’ ya ditched me after all!” He tried to laugh it off, not admitting how much he already cared about her and instead still trying to crack his little jokes as usual, but this time he couldn’t seem to manage to pull it off. He may not have known her long, but there was nothing like a potential tragedy to bring people closer together …

However, no sooner had he finished speaking than she turned her head slightly and, although her eyes were still closed, her lips parted in a little whimper of pain. Her eyes opened slowly, not seeming to see anything around her, but then she focused on Mickey as he leaned over her in concern.

"Charlie? Charlie, it’s all right – I’ll get the doctor …” he told her anxiously as she tried to sit up, gasping in pain as she did so and collapsing back against her pillows, raising a shaky hand to her head.

“W-what’s … goin’ on?” she managed to ask, her voice no more than a ho**** whisper as she started to cough. “Where am I? Where’s my mum?”

“It’s okay now – yer in good ‘ands.” Mickey assured her, “Yer in ‘ospital – ya were in Angie’s Den when the fire started, remember? And yer mum and yer sister are both ‘ere …”

Looking confused and scared to find herself in a hospital bed with no memory of how she had ended up there, Charlie was about to answer him when they were interrupted by the arrival of the nurse and the doctor in charge.

“If you’ll excuse us,” the doctor said, ushering Mickey to the door, “We need to check on Charlie’s condition so if you could wait outside … Someone will let you know when you can come back.”

Reluctant to leave her, but knowing the doctors needed to do their job, Mickey nodded and went out into the corridor, relieved to know that at least she seemed to be okay …

*

to be continued...

[Rach33]

Wonderful brilliant Faba roonie as usual **sitting on the edge of my seat**

Would you make me a pic oh that would be great I tried and I was rubbish and you will be my friend for life

[Torrie]

It'll be a thank you for reading my scripts, lol. :) Just let me know if there's any particular characters, text, etc. you want and I'll see what I can do - I don't have a massive supply of pics that I can use but I'm sure I'll be able to come up with something!

[Rach33]

Jake YUMMEE but you can chose the text as a thnak you for reading my story thanks very much

[Rach33]

Maybe about him goin BOO HOO

[Torrie]

23.
“Well, Charlie,” the doctor finished up, “I’d feel a lot happier if we kept you in under observation for a few days, just to be on the safe side - concussion can cause some problems if there are complications … Now, I don’t mean to worry you; we’re certain you’re going to make a full and hopefully speedy recovery, but in the meantime we won’t be taking any chances. That means you stay in bed and you take it easy!” She smiled reassuringly, “Don’t worry, no one particularly likes staying in hospital but you’ll be out and about soon enough. You’ve been treated for smoke inhalation and your breathing will become easier over the next couple of days – you let the nurse know if you have any problems with that – and I think that’s all I need to say at the moment. I’ll let your family know they can come and see you now – but not for too long and no more excitement; I think you’ve had quite enough of that for tonight!”

“Thanks, doctor.” she managed, lying back against the pillows which kept her propped up to help her breathe more easily. She closed her eyes briefly, opening them quickly when the door opened and she heard her mother’s voice, still sounding tearful.

“Charlie!” Carla cried, relieved to see her daughter awake and out of danger as she hurried to hug her carefully, mindful of her injuries.

“Mum,” Charlie said with a smile, returning the hug as best she could and trying to tease her mother to stop her crying. “Oi, I didn’t escape a fire just to have you drown me! What’s with the waterworks? I’m fine!”

“Charlene Elisabeth Saunders!” exclaimed her mother, “Stitches, concussion and God knows how many burns and bruises do not add up to equal fine! Don’t you even try to joke about this, young lady, when everyone has been worried sick!”

“Sorry.” she said quietly, looking a little ashamed as she began to realise how her mum must have felt. Remembering what it had been like inside the burning club, not knowing what would happen to them, she suddenly felt sick to her stomach and tried to take a deep breath to steady herself, setting herself off coughing again. Looking up into her mum’s pale face, she was all at once painfully aware that this really could have ended very differently and her lower lip trembled as her eyes filled with tears. “I know how serious this was,” she explained, looking down again, unable to meet her mum’s gaze as she knew she wouldn’t be able to stop herself crying if she did. “I just can’t think about it …”

“Oh, love,” sighed Carla, “I know …”

They both started as the door opened again and Dani slipped into the room.

“Sorry, I just went to see how Vicki was and the nurse just told me you’d woken up – how ya feeling?” she said, moving to hug her little sister.

“I’ll be alright.” Charlie said quickly, more anxious to find out about the other girl as she remembered the last glimpse she had caught of Vicki, unconscious on the floor. “Vicki! She got out too, didn’t she? If we hadn’t had that stupid row, she might never have been in there and …”

“Hey, there’s no point thinking like that now – you couldn’t have known what was going to happen! And its okay, Vicki got out and she’s going to be fine – she actually got off lighter than you.” Dani told her, faltering as she thought about exactly what they had heard happened to Charlie. “You were lucky that beam you were trapped under didn’t seriously injury you, but Mickey said it was bad enough just trying to get you free …”

“Wait, what?” Charlie interrupted when Dani’s words actually sank in properly, “Mickey? How did he know?”

“Charlie, the club was supposed to be closed – no one knew there was even anyone in there, but Mickey got Dennis and they went in to get you and Vicki out. Some other guy – one of the Mitchells, I think – went in too and he brought Vicki out, but you were trapped. Dennis and Mickey stayed behind and they managed to somehow make sure you were okay – if it hadn’t been for them …”

“But we don’t need to think about that …” Carla pointed out with a frown, not wanting Charlie to dwell on the possibilities too much.

“Mickey was here before – when I woke up …”

“Yes, he was – he had to get checked over too …”

“Is he still here? Can I see him?”

“Oh, I don’t know, dear.” Carla said, “The doctor said not too many visitors to start with …”

“Please, mum – he did save my life!” Charlie pointed out.

“I’m sure one more won’t make much difference.” said Dani reasonably, “Come on, mum, we’ll go have a look for him and if he’s still here, we’ll send him in.”

Reluctant to leave her daughter, Carla kissed her and then followed Dani out of the room, leaving Charlie alone to think over what had happened. The young woman shifted uncomfortably, touching a hand tentatively to her bandaged head and wincing in pain, feeling the stitches which lay beneath pulling slightly. Just then, a little tap at the door drew her attention and she looked up to see Mickey peek into the room.

“Hi.” she said quietly, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

“Charlie, ‘ow ya doin’?” he asked, coming in and closing the door behind him.

“Been better – could be worse.” she said, “I hear I’ve got you to thank for that …”

He just shrugged a little awkwardly, but Charlie held one arm out to him and, as he moved to sit on the edge of her bed, she pulled him into a warm hug. Feeling tears prick at her eyes again, she hide her face against his shoulder and just let him tell her everything was okay until she regained control of herself.

“What were you thinking, going in there like that?” she scolded lightly before resorting to trying to joke about the otherwise grim situation again. “I mean if you were trying to impress me, there are easier ways – you never heard of chat-up lines?”

"Well, I weren't gonna just leave ya there, was I?" he shot back, "An’ anyway, reckon I shoulda been a fireman – I ‘ear the girls like the uniform …"

Charlie couldn’t help laughing in spite of everything, “Yeah, the uniform’s alright – it’s the flames I ain’t so keen on!” She looked down as she became more serious again, trying to hold back coughs as her throat still stung from the smoke she had inhaled. "Seriously, you saved my life, Mickey." she whispered as she glanced back up at him, and tears built up in her green eyes again, tears of gratitude this time. "Thank you ..."

*

to be continued...

[Layne]

hey torrie, i no i ain't replyed but i just read ur scripts, dey are so amazing.I was on the edge of my seat for most of it!!!!

I love your picky's to, i know i have asked you before but hoe=w do you do them, and where can i get one!!!!!

More soon
Luv ya Layne
xxx

Torrie and Joel Beckett Lover are the nicest people i know (even tho i don't personly no them but hey!!!Hope you don't think i'm weird, I'm not Promise!!!)
:) :) :) :) :)

[Torrie]

Thanks for the reply, Layne - glad ya like the fic! :)

As for the pic in my signature - I made it myself using Paint Shop Pro. If you like, I'll have a go at making you one? :)

[Layne]

I love your pic!!!How can i get paint shop pro??
Luv ya Layne
xxxx

[Torrie]

24.
A few days later and the fire at Angie's Den was still the talk of Walford - it seemed everyone had an opinion on what had happened, ranging from the plausible to the downright ridiculous. All this speculation was causing great concern for Sam Mitchell as she knew it wouldn't be long before someone put two and two together and they would have to do some pretty fast talking to make sure they didn't find themselves as prime suspects. Most of all, she couldn't help feeling angry at herself - she had known Billy hadn't been himself since Mo had left; she should never have let him go through with this plan when it was obvious his mind wasn't on the job. How could he have let this happen? How could he overlook, not just one, but two people inside a club which was supposed to be empty? And she hadn’t seen him since the night of the fire – she just hoped he was lying low and had enough sense to keep his mouth shut.

Just then, she heard the front door and Minty appeared in the kitchen.

"Alright, Sam?" came his well-meant greeting.

"What do you think?" she snapped, before sighing and pressing her hands to her temples, trying to get rid of the tension headache rapidly forming. "Sorry, Mints - I shouldn't be taking it out on you ... You heard anything? Any word from Billy?”

“Nah, I ain’t seen or ‘eard from ‘im – I thought you might ‘ave …”

“He hasn’t been back here. I’m worried, Minty; what if he talks?”

“Who, Billy? Ain’t gonna ‘appen – it don’t matter what Billy’s thinkin’, he wouldn’t blab; he’s still a Mitchell.”

“I hope you’re right … So what about everyone else? You know how news travels round here – even when it’s not true. In fact, especially when it’s not true - does it sound like anyone's on to us?" Sam asked anxiously.

"Nah, I think we're all right for now - I mean, names are bound to get mentioned, but as long as we play it cool, we should be alright." he said, taking a seat at the kitchen table. "Particularly since I know who the cops have down as prime suspect so far ..."

"What? They're following up a lead?" panicked Sam.

"Yeah." grinned Minty, "You'll love this - they only reckon Sharon did it!"

"What?" said Sam in disbelief, before a little smile began to creep over her face and she actually managed to relax slightly.

"Yeah, they reckon it was a put-up job for the insurance and they've 'ad Sharon down the nick for questioning all mornin'! From what I ‘ear, Carla Saunders came in for some pretty tough questioning – wanting to know if there was any rivalry between the clubs, I suppose – but Sharon’s the one they’re after. Stroke of luck, eh?"

"Luck? What's lucky in all this?" interrupted Billy, as he arrived just in time to overhear Minty's cheerful words. "If anyone figures out what 'appened, I'll go down for this! Those two girls coulda died, Sam - all you're worried about is gettin' caught when you can keep yer 'ands clean an' I get landed with all the dirty work!"

"Billy, where the ‘ell ‘ave you been?!” Sam demanded. Trying to stay calm and to have the same sort of effect on him, she lowered her voice, "Look, we’re all in this together - we Mitchells stick together, remember? Now, I dunno how you let us get into this mess in the first place, but we're gonna get outta it, yeah? No turning soft and saying something that could make us look bad - you keep your guard up!"

"I ain't thick, Sam!" he said angrily, "I might 'ave screwed this up, but I can keep my mouth shut!"

"Just make sure you do!" she said grimly, exchanging a worried glance with Minty. It was obvious that Billy was taking the fact that the job had gone seriously, almost tragically, wrong badly. She just hoped he could keep it together until this whole thing had blown over.

*

"Kat, darlin' ... If yer up 'ere, who's lookin' after the bar?" asked Alfie with a smile as his wife crept up behind him and slid her arms round his waist with a giggle.

"Awww, c'mon, spoilsport!" she grinned, "Tracey's down there, innit? We need a break ... I been workin' all day ..."

"Kat, it ain’t even lunchtime!" laughed Alfie, while she just pouted making him relent and pull her down onto the couch with him. He sighed contentedly and leaned back against the cushions as she kissed him and then rested her head on his shoulder.

"Ya 'eard about Sharon?" asked Kat casually.

"Nah, what about 'er?"

Relishing the chance for a good gossip, she sat up abruptly. "She's the top suspect for torching Angie's Den!" she announced excitedly, "I can't believe ya ain't 'eard - call yerself a landlord!"

"Get away!" scoffed Alfie, "Sharon! She wouldn't burn down that place - it means too much to 'er!"

"Means a fortune in insurance money, I reckon!" disagreed Kat.

"Nah, no way, darlin' - she ain't got it in 'er for a start ..."

"Maybe not, but what about Dennis? I wouldn't put it past 'im ..."

Alfie considered this for a second, but then shook his head. "Nope, still can't see it - neither of 'em would risk it, 'specially with what 'appened to Vicki and Charlie. Dennis might 'ave 'is faults, but when it comes to Vicki - he wouldn't risk hurtin' 'er."

"But no one knew she’d be there, did they? … Good to 'ear she's outta hospital though." commented Kat, "God, I'd ‘ave been goin' up the walls if that 'ad been our Zo. Or Spencer for that matter."

"Don't even go there!" shuddered Alfie, "Gives me the shudders just thinkin' 'bout it! Still, she's alright now, innit? Any word on Charlie?"

"Imagine just movin' 'ere and getting' caught up in all this - poor kid!" said Kat sympathetically, "She's still in hospital, but Zoë thinks she might be getting' out later today ..."

"Ah, so that's why I've had Mickey downstairs most of the mornin', lookin' like he don't know what to do with himself!" grinned Alfie. "I suppose that's young love for ya, eh Kathleen?"

Kat stared at him, trying to figure out if he was making fun of her or not. "Are ya somehow callin' me old there, Alfie?" she asked in a warning tone.

"Course not, darlin'!" he laughed, "Now, nice as this is - we gotta do some work sometime so get movin'!"

"Oi, cheeky!" she grinned as he patted her backside lightly, "Alright, alright - I'm goin'!"

*

to be continued...

Oh, nearly forgot - about Paint Shop Pro, you have to either buy the software or you can download a free trial version which only lasts for a certain length of time. Hope that helps. :)

[di marco]

just read the last few parts of your script - FAB!!! :D so glad that everyone was alright. cant wait for the next part, its great! :)

[Torrie]

25.
Later that afternoon, Mickey was back on the stall trying to keep his mind on his work and not really succeeding. Suddenly, someone tiptoed up behind him and hands covered his eyes lightly.

"Guess who?" came the inquiry in his ear, but instead of answering, he recognised the voice instantly and spun around to catch Charlie in a warm hug, lifting her right off her feet before remembering she was straight out of hospital and setting her down gently.

"So you're pleased to see me then?" she giggled, fixing her scarf which was supposed to be keeping the cold wind from irritating her throat as she was still recovering from the effects of smoke inhalation.

"It's so good to see ya back, darlin'!" he grinned, "'Ow ya feelin'?"

"Better than I was." she shrugged, her voice still sounding a little hoarse. "They tried to get me to stay another night, but I was goin' crazy in there – never thought I’d be saying how much I missed work!"

Having been treated for second degree burns and concussion and having required eight stitches to seal her head wound, Charlie had been in hospital for almost a week and had hated every second of it. She hadn't minded it so much when she had visitors (and given that her mother, her sister, some of her co-workers, Mickey, Kelly and Zoe had all visited her regularly, she had no shortage of visitors), but the times between had dragged for her and she had longed to be told she could be released.

“So, how are you?” she asked, smiling as he took her hands in his.

“I’m fine but never mind ‘bout me - what ya doin' 'ere?" he asked, noting anxiously that she was still much paler than usual and that she did look tired. "Not that it ain't great to see ya, but ain't ya meant to be takin' it easy?"

"Don't you start! I already have a mother, cheers!" she grinned, "It's okay - I just came to say hi and that I'm back and now I'm gonna go crash in front of the telly! I'll probably be bored again in no time, but hey, it's still better than hospital!"

"Well, listen, if yer up to it, 'ow about I come round tonight and we get a video out or somethin'?" suggested Mickey.

"That sounds so good ..." she sighed, "Just hope my mum don't decide I should be tucked up in bed by eight! She's been sooo over-protective lately - even for her!"

"Just tell 'er I'll tuck ya up any time she wants!" grinned Mickey with a cheeky wink, making her laugh.

"You can be the one to tell her that!" she giggled, "I wanna see the look on her face!"

"Well, anyway, it's a date then." he said a little more seriously, "Since ya been stuck in hospital, I'll 'ave a go cheerin' ya up and yer mum needn't worry, I'll look after ya ..."

Charlie smiled gratefully, touched by his obvious concern, and leaned in to kiss him. "You're a sweetheart, Mickey Miller, ya know that?" she whispered, resting her hands on his shoulders.

"Looks like someone just fancies playin' doctors and nurses!" shouted Martin at Mickey, heading over from his own stall when he saw the two of them together.

“No way, Martin!” Charlie called back, pretending to be offended by the suggestive comment before adding with a cheeky wink, “Hadn’t ya heard I prefer firemen? Get it right!” Laughing, she turned back to Mickey quickly. "I probably shouldn't be up and about too long though ..." she admitted, already starting to feel tired again, "I'd better go, but I'll see ya tonight then, yeah?"

"Yeah, I'll be there, darlin' - ya just take things easy, okay?" he said, giving her a quick kiss before she headed for home.

"I know I'm right, bruv - I know it!" Martin insisted, watching the way Mickey's eyes never left the girl until she was completely out of sight. "Not that I can blame ya! She’s pretty cool …"

"Oi, ya can keep yer eyes on yer own bird, mate - Sonia wouldn't need to 'ear ya sayin' that! But I gotta agree - wouldn't say no, mate; definitely wouldn't say no!" he grinned in response to Martin's teasing, watching Charlie leave and remaining unaware that someone else had seen them together - someone a lot less happy for them than Martin ...

*

to be continued...

[di marco]

YAY - i love your script! :D mickey is so sweet with charlie! :) hope theres more soon, cant wait

[Layne]

wow, just caught up with the last few parts, brill.
more soon

Luv ya
Layne

Love da picky u did for Joel Beckett Lover!!!!Can you make me one??Plz, don't mena to sound Cheeky tho!!

[Torrie]

Glad you both like it - there'll be more soon!

And Layne, I'll make you a piccy too - just let me know who you would like in it! :)

[Layne]

Aww thnkx, umm....Well i love dennis and Chrissie, and Jake and Danny, just do whatever!!!Maybe one with Sharon and Dennis AND Chrissie and Jake???What ever you think Your fab, luv ya lots!!!!
Thnkx again, more script soon!!
Luv ya
Layne
xxx

[Rach33]

What can I say wow it's amazing Keep it coming

[Torrie]

26.
At Platform 10, James was in his office, ranting down the phone at a supplier who had made the mistake of mixing up a drinks order while Carla stood listening uneasily.

"Was that really necessary?" she asked when he finally slammed the phone down.

"Remind me who's running this place again?" he snapped, glaring up at her from where he was seated behind his desk.

Unable to keep her anger in check as she was usually forced to, Carla slammed her hands down on the desk, leaning forward to emphasise her words. "Remind ME who OWNS this place, James! I think you should …"

But James merely laughed condescendingly, cutting her off mid speech. "Well, well, Carla - I see you've finally decided to hit back!" he said, sounding almost pleased; but all at once, his expression changed. "Perhaps you've forgotten our little agreement ... Not your smartest move." he said coldly.

"Look, I'm sorry ..." she tried to backtrack, instantly realising her mistake, "It's just been hard right now - what with Charlie ..."

"Ah yes, Charlie." he said and, from his tone alone, she knew she had made yet another mistake mentioning her name. She knew that her youngest daughter had been quite forthright when it came to voicing her opinions on James and, while she secretly completely agreed with her, she wished Charlie had shown a little more restraint and at least not said anything in front of him for he now seemed determined to get his own back. "When can we expect her back at work?"

"Not for a few days - she was in hospital for nearly a week ..."

"Didn't look like there was much wrong with her this morning when she was all over that no-hoper from the market! If she's well enough to socialise, she's more than well enough to work!" James said angrily. Not that it mattered to him – in fact, the less she was around the club, the better for him. But making her life difficult was a nice little bonus.

"James, I don't care what you make me do but I won't let you take it out on Charlie - I won't have her coming back here until I'm sure she's well enough! She wanted to go and see Mickey this morning - he did save her life after all - but then she was going straight home. I've done everything you've asked, but she is NOT going to be working here yet ..." insisted Carla, adamant that on this point she would stand her ground.

Seeing that she was not likely to give in, James glared at her and then shrugged. "Your concern is touching.” he said dryly. “Fine - she's got till Monday and that's it. Now, I've got a club to run ..." He made it plain that she had been dismissed, but stopped her just before she left. "And Carla, don't ever challenge my authority again or I might just have to let slip about our little deal - imagine how your precious daughters would react then? Would they thank you for having their interests at heart? For your concern …? You just think about that - think how Charlie would feel if she knew the truth about her father … And Carla? Shut the door on your way out."

With that parting shot, he let her know exactly who was in charge and Carla was left standing outside the door looking dazed and trying to hold back tears – she didn’t think she was cut out to do this anymore … She had been so stupid to think she could play him at his own game and win – she thought she was in control of the situation, but she didn’t have a chance. Not against him.

*

“Sharon, how can you stay so calm?!” demanded Dennis, “I know Sam was behind this – Vicki could ‘ave died in that fire and she is the one to blame! You can’t just sit back and take it – especially with the police treatin’ us like we’re the criminals ‘ere!”

“And what good would it do for you to go storming round there?” she asked sharply, “You’d end up back inside and then where would we be? Sam would really get the better of us then – I guarantee that’d be just what she wants and I ain’t gonna let that happen! No, we just have to sit tight and wait for her to make a mistake. We can’t even really be sure she had anything to do with this …”

“Oh please, who else would want to see us out of the picture? I can’t see Carla Saunders havin’ anythin’ to do with this, can you? Sam’s the most likely person – we know what the Mitchells are capable of …”

“It’s not enough for the police though.”

“Well, whadda they know? They reckon it was YOU and that’s plain ridiculous! Now, I ain’t saying Sam lit the fire ‘erself, but I’d put money on it being one of her henchmen and I know I could get the truth outta one of ‘em – Minty and Billy, I mean they ain’t exactly the brightest crayons in the box, are they?”

“Dennis, you can’t go around threatening people when things are looking so bad for us already – you’ll only get us all into a bigger mess!” insisted Sharon, “We do this MY way for now – we assist the police with their inquiries and we concentrate on looking after Vicki, you got that?”

Without a word, he nodded, but he was watching her intently. Even though he disagreed with her and felt they should be putting pressure on the Mitchells to find out the truth about how the fire had started, he was still proud of her – that was his Sharon, always so calm and in control. Nevertheless, he couldn’t help wishing she wasn’t always like that – maybe if she’d just take a chance, a chance on him, he could show her how he really felt about her. But it didn’t look like that was ever going to happen; he was starting to lose hope on that score …

*
to be continued...

[Rach33]

This is brill please post more soon

[di marco]

wow, this is great! :D still want to find out more about this james guy, sounds like something dodgys going on! cant wait for the next part, please post more soon

[Torrie]

Thanks for reading, everyone - glad you're still enjoying it! :D And *Fanatic Loves Dennis*, I've made your piccy - Chrissie & Jake & Sharon & Dennis as requested. :) It should be at this link:

http://img102.exs.cx/img102/3089/shannisjakechrissie2nc.png


27.
Glancing up to ensure his office door was tightly closed, James pulled his mobile phone from his pocket and, still checking occasionally to make sure he would know about it should he receive any untimely visitors, he dialled a number from memory and then waited impatiently.

“Andy? Can you talk?” he said shortly, “What’s the story on Angie’s Den – what do you know?”

Listening intently, he waited for the full story before saying a word, not quite knowing whether to look pleased, amused or simply annoyed. “So that’s her game, is it?” he finally said with a roll of his eyes. “Just some little family feud - interesting … Well, I can’t say she hasn’t done me a favour too, but be careful – I don’t want some petty little rivalry blowing up in all our faces. Sam Mitchell can have her fun for now – let her think she’s top dog if that’s what she wants – but when it comes to playing with the big boys, she stays out of it … Yes, I’ve heard of the Mitchells and maybe if her brothers were on the scene it would be a different story, but no dumb blonde is going to screw this up for me – I’ve put too much time and effort in to lose everything now. Don’t you think I have enough trouble with Saunders’s kids on my back without your latest slapper sticking her nose in? … You have no idea how right you are – I’m serious! I know she’s just a kid, but she is definitely her father’s daughter, if you see what I mean – it would have been better for us all if no one had come out of that club!”

James shook his head to himself, realising how ridiculous it sounded for him to feel so threatened by the youngest of the Saunders family, but it didn’t matter what Andy Hunter thought of him. He was the one who would be calling the shots, not Hunter – even if he didn’t know it yet.

“Carla? Carla, I know how to handle – you just leave her to me …” James said darkly, “Oh, and Andy … You know how much I have riding on this one - don’t let me down. It would be a shame if Dalton’s second had to meet with the same end as his boss … Just because I asked for your backing doesn’t mean you’re irreplaceable, remember that – I’ve dealt with people much higher up the food chain than you. Now, we let this nonsense over the fire cool down first and then I’ll be in touch. And keep your mouth SHUT.”

He ended the call abruptly, pocketed the phone and sat back to think, drumming his fingers restlessly on the table.

*

That evening, Carla was surprised to find Charlie brushing her hair carefully, so as to avoid the still tender wound on her head, before hiding the stitches under a broad hair band of soft material and fixing her make-up.

“Darling, why don’t you just go lie down – it’s your first night out of hospital, an early night would probably do you the world of good …” she said in concern.

Charlie couldn’t help smiling to herself, remembering how she had told Mickey this was exactly how her mother would be. “Mum, it’s only eight o’clock and I’ve been lying about enough lately – I’m fine, honestly! And anyway, Mickey’s comin’ round to keep me company …”

“Are you sure that’s a good idea? Charlie, you’ve had concussion …”

“I know, Mum – I’ve had the throbbing head to remind me!” she sighed, “He’s comin’ round with a video for a quiet night in – it’s not like we’re goin’ clubbing! You have no idea how boring it’s been for me the last few days …”

“It’s not like you haven’t told me often enough!” her mother commented wryly, “Okay, okay – just remember I’m only at the club and I could be back any time, so don’t even think of getting up to any mischief!”

“Mother!” exclaimed Charlie, embarrassed by Carla’s warning. “And just for the record, I’m not twelve anymore!”

Carla just chuckled at the look on her daughter’s face. “No, you’re nineteen and when I was your age, I already had Dani to look after – don’t go making the same mistakes as me. Not that I regret having your sister for one minute, but you know what I’m saying …”

“Yes, I know.” she sighed, having heard it all before, “And I’m saying go to work, Mum!”

They were interrupted by the doorbell ringing and Charlie smiled in relief. "There, that'll be Mickey - now don't go worrying about me and embarrassing us all!" she laughed, pushing her mum towards the door, "You can say hi on your way out - wouldn't want you to be late - bye, Mum!"

"Anyone would think she wanted rid of her old Mum!" smiled Carla, as Mickey looked surprised to see her being hurried out the door past him. "Nice to see you, Mickey, but I'm just off to work so see if you can do any better at getting her to take things easy! Bye!"

"Bye, Mrs Saunders!" he grinned as Charlie waved and then pulled him inside, quickly shutting the door.

"She means well, but she's been doing my head in!" laughed Charlie, "I don't think I make a very good patient!"

"Well, we'll just 'ave to see about that now, won't we?" Mickey grinned, slinging his arm round her shoulders and guiding her into the living room to sit down.

*

to be continued...

[di marco]

great as usual! :D cant wait for the next part, hope theres more soon

[Torrie]

28.
“So, d’ya want a coffee or anything? Tea?” suggested Charlie, not sitting down but gesturing towards the kitchen.

“Oi, who’s meant to be lookin’ after who ‘ere?” asked Mickey, making her sit down before heading for the kitchen, calling back to her. “I’ll ‘ave ya know, I can boil water with the best of them! And if I can’t find anythin’, I’ll give ya a shout - tea alright?”

“Tea’s fine.” she called with a smile, kicking off her shoes and swinging her legs up onto the sofa, leaning back against the cushions as she listened to him pottering about in the next room. She reached for the remote control of the stereo and put on some music in the background, just relaxing with her eyes closed until she jumped at the light touch on her arm.

“There ya go, babe – get that down ya.” Mickey said, reaching her a steaming mug of tea.

“Mmm, thanks, Mickey.” she said, lifting her feet off the sofa to make room for him but he simply sat down beside her and then lifted her legs back up, letting them rest over his own knees.

“Comfy?” he asked, sipping his tea.

“Perfectly.” she smiled.

*

"You're sure you don't know anything about what happened, Vicki - this is important ..."

"You think I don't know that, Sharon? Of course I don't know anything - I'd tell you if I did!" Vicki looked suspiciously from her sister to her brother, her eyes widening in dismay. "You two think I had something to do with this! How can you even think that!"

"No one's accusing you of anything, darling." said Sharon, trying to smooth things over. "Are they, Dennis? Dennis?"

"No, course not." he sighed, after a pause, "Stop looking at me like that, Vicki - it's just frustrating not being able to do anything. The least little detail could be just the thing to swing this for us - if we just had something to go on ..."

"We just have to remember we haven't done anything wrong, yeah?" said Sharon firmly, a grim look on her face. "We'll get through this - we have to ..."

"What about Charlie?" asked Dennis suddenly, "You told us she arrived after you - could she have seen something?"

"How should I know?" snapped Vicki, "Look, I've told you everything I know!"

"We know, Vicki, it's okay." said Sharon soothingly.

"I'm going round there." said Dennis determinedly.

"What? Where?"

"The Saunders' place, to talk to that kid - who knows, she might be able to tell us something ..."

"Dennis, you can't go racing round there at this time of night - she's only out of hospital ..." protested Sharon.

"Oh, so you can be concerned about HER, but give your own sister the third degree?!" exclaimed Vicki in annoyance, but her words were lost as Dennis headed for the door and Sharon followed him.

"What are you doing?" he asked as he headed across the Square.

"I'm coming too - someone has to make sure you don't jump in there feet first!" she said with a little smile, "Just remember, you can't take out your anger with Sam on just anyone, especially not the girl who tried to help Vicki, okay?"

"Trust me for once, Sharon." he said calmly.

*

More than happy to just chill out on the couch, chatting and getting to know each other better, the video was practically forgotten by Mickey and Charlie while they swapped stories about their pasts and Mickey had also been filling her in on his family, telling her funny stories about them all as her hospital stay meant she hadn’t heard much about them before.

"So 'ow 'bout yer lot?" he asked, resting his hand lightly on her knee, "It always been just the three of ya?"

Charlie looked down for a second, her smile fading away. "Not always - my dad took off years ago though and it's just been us ever since."

"I'm sorry, babe." said Mickey softly, "Must 'ave been rough - if ya don't wanna talk about it ..."

"It's okay ... It's been a while since he left and anyway, he ain't worth worrying about."

A little surprised by the coldness of her tone which was so unlike her, Mickey looked at her in concern and wondered if he should change the subject, although he was curious to know why she seemed so hostile about her father.

"D'ya remember much about 'im?" he asked cautiously.

"It's hard to say ..." she said with a sigh, deciding to tell him the whole story. "It turned out the man I thought I knew ... I didn't really know him at all ..."

"'Ow'd ya mean?" asked Mickey, not really understanding.

"It's a long story, Mickey, a very long story." she said with a sad smile, "While I was growing up, I was a total daddy's girl - always following him around, watching him work in the garden or on the car, watching the footie with him, all that stuff - I adored my dad ... But it turned out he can't have felt the same 'cos he just upped and left without even saying goodbye. I still don’t understand what went so wrong … There was no explanation, no nothing. I haven't seen or heard from him since - not even a birthday card ..." She broke off, turning away slightly to try to hide that she was wiping at her eyes with her sleeve, "Kinda hurts to think he cared so little about me - about any of us - that he could just do that ... I used to blame myself when I was little - I spent ages wondering what I'd done wrong, why he didn't love me ... Oh, Mickey, I'm sorry - I shouldn't be goin' on like this; we were supposed to be having a nice night in ..."

"Nah, darlin', don't apologise! Come ‘ere …”" said Mickey, setting his mug down and gently lifting her legs off his so he could move closer beside her to wrap his arms round her in a reassuring hug. “What about yer mum – ain’t ya asked ‘er what ‘appened?”

“I tried to after it first happened, but it just upsets her and I don’t think she knows much more than me – we just don’t mention him now … But I still miss him, you know? That’s the hardest part – I wish I could hate him for leaving us like that, and part of me does but …” she trailed off, looking down unsurely.

“But he’s still yer dad.” he finished for her, making her nod as he leaned in to kiss her head and then rest his own against hers. "I'm sure it weren't yer fault, Charlie - ya can't blame yerself for these things. Whatever 'appened, he's bound to love ya, even if he don't show it - he couldn't not do and anyway, it’s his loss …"

It was plain from the look on her face that Charlie wasn't convinced, but she was however touched by his efforts to cheer her up and she settled more comfortably in his arms with a little smile.

"How 'bout we just concentrate on having a good time and watching this movie now?" she suggested lightly and so they did just that, cuddled up together in front of the television, laughing at the comedy and trying to put any upsetting thoughts out of their minds. However, Mickey couldn’t forget that look on her face – it was obvious how hurt she had been, and still was, by her dad’s actions and he just hoped he was never the cause of that same look.

"God, I think I'm really fallin’ for 'er!" he thought to himself as he looked down at her, smoothing one hand gently over her silky dark hair.

"What?" she asked curiously, glancing up in time to catch him watching her instead of the film.

"Nothin'!" he covered quickly, "Just makin' sure ya 'adn't dozed off on me!"

"Wide awake!" she smiled, sitting up to kiss him softly. "I'm glad ya came round - this was such a good idea!"

"Just what the doctor ordered, eh?" he grinned, before kissing her in return, leaning over her as she rested back against the cushions comfortably.

*

to be continued...

[di marco]

wow, great as usual! :D hope theres more soon, cant wait to find out what happens

[Torrie]

29.
"This could be just the opportunity this place needs." smiled James smugly as he surveyed the packed dance floor of Platform 10 - no doubt the result of the forced closure of Angie's Den. "Couldn't have happened at a better time either."

Carla forced herself not to glare at him, but she couldn't keep from speaking out. "My daughter could have died in that fire and the Watts' have lost their livelihood - imagine what that place must have meant to them! Apparently Sharon named it after her parents ... How can you be so callous, talking about it like it's a good thing?"

"Because every cloud has a silver lining." said James, surprisingly calmly, "Their loss is our gain and we should take advantage of that - no point crying over split milk after all. Valentine's is coming up and it looks like they won't have anywhere for their Ball, so we've got a shot at a big money spinner there - sentimental rubbish, if you ask me, but it always brings the punters in ... We should get planning ..."

Carla just shook her head in disbelief, "Well, I'll leave that up to you - you are the manager after all."

"And don't forget it!" he called, looking pleased with himself as she walked away in disgust.

*

Mickey and Charlie were still engrossed in each other, kissing and cuddling as they lay on the couch together, when they heard a knock at the door, although Mickey pretended he hadn't heard anything and kept his arms round Charlie to keep her from getting up.

"Mickey!" she giggled, "It could be my Mum or anything, let me up!"

"I don’t ‘ear nothin’!” he insisted, with his best attempt at an innocent face, “And ain't yer mum got 'er own keys anyway?"

"Good point!" remembered Charlie, but the knock came again, louder and more insistent. "Don’t tell me ya don’t hear that or I’ll be thinking you’ve gone deaf! Oh look, I'll have to get that - it might be important ..."

"More important than this ...?"

"Course not!" she said with a little smile, "But I'll only be a second!"

She slipped out of his embrace and hurried to answer the door while whoever was outside knocked yet again, even more impatiently.

"Alright, alright - kick it down, why don't ya?!" she muttered, opening the door and looking surprised to see Dennis and Sharon standing there. "Oh, hi – umm, Mum and Dani are both at the club if it’s them you’re after?"

"We wanna know what you know about the fire." said Dennis bluntly, before Sharon pushed past him and smiled apologetically at the startled girl.

"Dennis is not exactly known for his tact." she said in a friendly voice, "It's Charlie, isn't it? It’s you we wanted to have a word with …Would you mind if we came in for a second?”

"Ummm, I guess not - go ahead." said Charlie, wondering what on earth they thought she might be able to tell them.

They walked into the living room, making Mickey start in surprise, and they exchanged a knowing look when they saw him.

"Hope we ain't interrupting anything ..." said Dennis wryly.

"It's okay," said Charlie a little awkwardly. "Umm, I dunno that I'll be able to help ya though - I wish I could, but I don't remember seeing anything that could have caused the fire ..."

"You have to think! This is important!" Dennis practically shouted, frustrated at not being able to find anything to provide a suspect other than Sharon.

"I'm sorry! I can't remember!" said Charlie, looking upset.

"Oi!" protested Mickey, standing up and placing himself between Dennis and Charlie in spite of an instinct which told him getting in Dennis Rickman’s way was a very bad idea, "Leave it out, mate - she ain't done nothin' wrong!"

"He's right, Dennis, calm down!" said Sharon, "I'm sorry, Charlie; of course we're not blaming you - we just need something to prove we weren't involved and it's been a hard time for us all lately ..."

"I understand and I'm sorry I can't help - if I think of anything, I'll let you know straight away ..." she promised, glancing warily at the intimidating Dennis.

"Thanks, and thanks for what you did - helping Vicki in there. She said you were the one who stayed calm and you didn't just abandon her even though she ain't exactly given you a warm welcome." smiled Sharon.

Charlie just shrugged, "I'm glad she's okay, even if we haven’t been getting on too well."

"Well, we'll get out of your way - don't worry, we'll see ourselves out - thanks for your time."

"Oh, and Sharon," Charlie called before they left, "I really am sorry about Angie's Den, you know - good luck with finding out what happened."

Sharon thanked her gratefully and even Dennis managed a little smile of thanks, but his frustration showed through again as soon as the door closed behind them.

"Damn! We're no further forward!" he scowled.

"It's not her fault, Dennis - she doesn't want to be caught up in this any more than we do, poor kid! She seems like a nice girl - Mickey seems to think so anyway ..."

"I'm just saying it's a pity she couldn't be more of a help ..." sighed Dennis, "I KNOW Sam’s the one to blame –we just gotta find some proof … Oh, c'mon, lets go home."

*

to be continued...

[di marco]

great! :D hope they find some proof soon, i dont like seeing dennis angry! :) cant wait for the next part, hope its soon

[Torrie]

30.
A week later and things were still not going well for the Watts - there were no leads on who was responsible for the fire, Sam was still parading around the Square looking smug and, to make matters worse, they couldn't find anywhere else to hold the Valentine's Ball which they had already put so much effort into organising. The community centre had looked like their only hope, but with Derek unable to apply for a licence to sell alcohol, it would make them a laughing stock and Sharon was not prepared to give Sam any more ammunition to taunt them with. It was beginning to look like they would have to admit defeat and cancel the Ball ...

"We can let HER get one over on us, Sharon - we have to think of something ..." insisted Dennis.

"Well, if you can think of something, go ahead!" snapped Sharon, the stress finally getting to her.

"There is still the community centre ..."

"This is supposed to be a romantic Valentine's Ball, not a flamin' school disco!" she replied crossly, "No, we do this right or we don't do it at all - and that's final!"

Luckily for him, he knew better than to argue with her when she was in such a mood.

*

"Mickey, man!" called Ronny from across the market-place, "'Ow's it goin'?"

"Pretty good, mate, pretty good - what about you? Got any big gigs comin' up?" asked Mickey as he worked on the stall he sometimes helped out on, blowing on his hands and rubbing them together to keep warm.

"Dunno, do I? This Valentine's Ball, it's lookin' like it ain't gonna come off now with Angie's Den outta action ..." he shrugged, "But something'll turn up - it always does. Speakin' of Valentine's - 'ow's the lovely Charlie doin'?"

"She's good - back at work." said Mickey with a grin as he remembered something which had been forgotten in all the confusion of the fire in favour of more important things, "Which reminds me - we never did settle that bet ..."

"Alright, alright!" laughed Ronny, admitting defeat, "You came out on top - this time! We didn't agree a bet though, so a pint's all yer gettin' outta me! So you two a definite thing now then?"

"Yeah, so ya can forget about even tryin' it on, bro!" Mickey warned jokingly and Ronny held up his hands.

"Hey c'mon - would I? 'Ow serious is it anyway - you two ... y'know ...?"

"Like I'd tell ya!" Mickey scoffed, "I'm a gent, innit?"

"Sure, whatever!" Ronny laughed disbelievingly, "Still, must be serious if you ain't tellin' - we're mates, man! And I am surprised at you, man – disappointed even! What ‘appened to playin’ the field, ‘avin’ a laugh? If you’re not careful, this bird’ll ‘ave you tied down in no time!"

"Listen, she can tie me down any time, know what I mean?!” winked Mickey suggestively, “Rons, what’s the point in messin’ about when ya already found a top chick? Charlie’s gorgeous, she’s fun and ya gotta be seriously jealous, mate!” he added, unable to resist getting his own back on Ronny for flirting with Charlie. “But why ya so bothered anyway?" he asked suspiciously, "Ya ain't really still interested, are ya?"

"Course not! Listen, I'm a dj, ya know? Girls throwin' themselves at me all the time ... I do not need to be hung up on some bird ..."

"She ain't just some bird!"

"Alright, alright – keep yer hair on! Anyway, I prefer blondes meself!" grinned Ronny, "Oh, there's Kareena, I gotta speak to 'er - I'll see ya round!"

Mickey nodded as Ronny jogged off to catch up with his sister, watching him and unable to stop himself wondering what would have happened if Ronny had been the one to meet Charlie first - if he would still have been lucky enough to end up with her ... He shook his head to get rid of that unpleasant thought and began to think of what he could do for her for Valentine's Day instead - they hadn't been together very long, but that was all the more reason to do something special ... As for playing the field – that was all very well, but what was the point once you’d found a girl you just seemed to click with …

*

That evening was Charlie's first back at work and she received a warm welcome from most of the staff - James being the obvious exception, but for once he did have an excuse. He had been cooped up in his office most of the day, trying to organise things for Platform 10's Valentine's Night with little success as it was just too short notice to organise anything properly. Of course, that wasn't doing his temper any favours so everyone was doing their best to avoid him and avoid getting caught in the crossfire. It seemed that he wouldn't be the only one to be disappointed if nothing could be arranged.

"Alright, darlin' - any chance of some service?" asked one man as Charlie stared into space absentmindedly, daydreaming about how she and Mickey could spend Valentine's Day, with a little smile on her face. "'Allo?"

"Oh, sorry!" she said, suddenly realising and smiling apologetically. "What can I get ya?"

"No problem," he replied as she smiled at him, "Two pints of lager, a gin and tonic and a JD and coke, please."

"Comin' up!" she grinned, humming along to the music as she pulled the pints and slid them across the bar before getting the rest of the order.

"Someone's in a good mood!" came a voice and Charlie glanced round to see Dani smiling at her. "And who would we have to thank for that - as if I couldn't guess!"

"Are ya complaining?" joked Charlie, "Would ya rather I was miserable?!"

"Course not - we get enough of that round here as it is!" Dani replied. "I need a drink!"

"OJ?" smiled Charlie, "You're working, remember?"

"Spike it for me!" she pleaded with a grin.

"Whatever would Mum say?!" Charlie pretended to be shocked at the suggestion before quickly fixing her sister a vodka and orange. "Just the one - I'm cutting you off now! So James still like a caged bear in that office?

Dani nodded as she sipped her drink. "He's determined we should do something for Valentine's to make the most of what happened ..."

"Heartless git!" Charlie interrupted.

"I know, I know; but he seems to have Mum wrapped round his little finger - as usual. Apparently she's already given him the go-ahead and she didn't even mention it to me!" Dani said, sounding hurt. "But anyway, it looks like it won't be going ahead - we can't get it organised in time."

"I guess it's a shame in a way," said Charlie thoughtfully, "I mean, I am sorry for Sharon and that she's gonna have to cancel, but it's a shame for everyone round here too - everyone's talking about what's going to happen now and they all seem to have been really looking forward to it. It'll be a real disappointment if there's nowhere local doing something special ..."

"True ... So, you and Mickey got anything planned?" smiled her sister.

"Nah, not yet ... I'm sure we'll think of something though!" she said with a wink, before stopping in her tracks. "Hey, I've just had an idea! Has Sharon definitely cancelled the Ball yet?"

"I dunno - she was trying to get the community centre or something, but now it looks like she doesn't have any choice. Why d'ya ask?"

"Because, if she's got everything arranged already, why don't we go halves with her?" said Charlie, beginning to explain as she saw the blank look on Dani's face. "She'll have decorations, extra drinks, tickets, fliers, but no club - we've got a club, but none of that other stuff, so we team up for a special one night event in association with Angie's Den! It could be massive - we could share the work and split the profits ..."

"Charlie, that's a great idea!" exclaimed Dani, her eyes lighting up excitedly. "I wonder if Sharon would go for it?"

"Well, it looks like being the only way she ain't gonna lose her money on the stuff she's already ordered, so I'd say she will - James could be another matter though ..."

"I'll have to talk to Mum first - get her on side and then try reasoning with him …

“Speaking of James … Listen, Dani, I’ve been meaning to ask you something and I know we’ve talked about this before, but …”

“C’mon, Charlie, it’s not like you to beat about the bush – what is it?” her sister asked.

“It’s about James …” but that was as far as she got before her sister cut her off abruptly.

“Not this again.” Dani sighed, “Look, I know what he’s like, believe me – I don’t like him any more than you do, but he is a good business man and mum wouldn’t do anything to jeopardise the club. Okay, so he’s gets his own way a lot, but it’s always been good for the club in the end – mum might be a bit of a pushover at times, but she’s not stupid and she wouldn’t let him drag us into anything dodgy …”

“But, Dani, don’t you ever wonder why he has stuck around so long – it’s not like we’ve ever run a really massive club. I know he was dad’s business partner, but why stick around when it got obvious dad wasn’t coming back?”

Growing increasingly uptight, particularly at the mention of their father, Dani shook her head emphatically. “Don’t go there, Charlie.” she warned, “And don’t go to mum about this – you’ll only upset her. The club’s doing well and we’ve settled into a good area – you’re happy here, aren’t you? I know you’re getting on well with those girls off the market and Mickey seems pretty keen …”

“Yeah, I’m happy here, but …”

“Well, if you want things to stay that way, take my advice and don’t rock the boat. Now, I’m gonna talk to mum about your idea – it’s a good one, thanks.” Dani said, already hurrying off.

"Good luck!" called Charlie, but she was far from satisfied with the response she had received to her mostly unanswered questions. In fact, she was more convinced than ever that there was something going on …

*

to be continued...

[di marco]

dont really know what else to say that i havent said before! GREAT, BRILL, FAB!!! :D :D :D hope theres more very soon

[Angeldelight]

this is so great, i love it absolutely FAB

[Torrie]

Thanks for reading! :D

31.
"Come on, Vicki - isn't it time to put some silly row behind you?" advised Sharon to her younger sister, "It's really good of the Saunders to let us do this - they didn't have to, but it's a really good idea and it's really getting us out of a tight spot!"

"I know!" sighed Vicki reluctantly.

"And she did try to help you in the fire ..." added Dennis, thinking he was being helpful.

"I know! God, do you two have to gang up on me?"

"That's what big brothers and sisters are for!" laughed Sharon, making Dennis look at her wistfully, wishing that wasn't how she saw them. He didn't mind being a brother to Vicki - he was actually starting to really like having her look up to him and looking out for her - but he couldn't settle for just being a brother to Sharon ...

"Are you even listening to a word I've said?" asked Vicki, a little crossly and Dennis realised he had been ignoring her in favour of daydreaming.

"Sorry, what were you sayin'?"

"Never mind! I'm gonna go talk to Charlie - try putting things straight." she said, grabbing her jacket.

*

"Oh no!" sighed Charlie as she stood in the queue in the café with Mickey and saw Vicki approaching. "I hope this isn't going to end up in another row!"

"Umm, Charlie? Could I talk to you for a second?" asked Vicki hesitantly, looking from Charlie to Mickey, "It'll only take a second - I don't wanna interrupt ..."

"Okay ..." said Charlie, unsure what to expect.

"Listen, why don't ya both go sit down and I'll get the coffees in?" offered Mickey, knowing that would give them a chance to talk and keep him from getting dragged into it. "Ya want one, Vicks?"

"Yeah, that'd be good, thanks." she said, going to find a table with Charlie following her.

"So ... what did ya wanna talk about?" asked Charlie when they had sat down.

"I just ... I just realised I never even thanked you for what you did at Angie's Den ..." said Vicki, avoiding eye contact and staring down at the table instead.

"I didn't do anything," said Charlie, "Unless you count knocking myself out, which wasn't the most helpful move ever!"

"You stayed calm and you stuck around - you could have just headed for the door, but you tried to help me ... Before I passed out, I could hear you, you know ..." Vicki told her, looking up with a sudden grin, "Daft cow, am I?"

Charlie couldn't help giggling as she remembered that was what she had called the other girl when she saw her disappearing further into the burning club. "Justified, given the circumstances, don't ya think?" she laughed.

"Suppose so!" Vicki laughed too, looking surprised at the fact that they were actually getting on. "Look, I just wanted to say we should start over - clean slate!" she said, remembering why she was there in the first place.

"That'd be good!" agreed Charlie with a smile, reaching out to shake hands with her to show there were no hard feelings.

“Yeah, and I'm sorry I was so hard on you when you got here - I guess I just kinda felt ... jealous, I suppose ..."

"Of me!?" Charlie exclaimed, "You really are daft!"

"You can hardly blame me!" said Vicki quietly, "Until you turned up, I was the one everyone came to for nights out at Angie's Den and ... I know it's stupid, you don't have to tell me that! I just had a hard time fitting in when I first came here and it seemed like you managed it without even trying! You'd only been here a few days and everyone liked you instantly and you had Mickey going all gooey over you and Ronny trying to bet he could win you over instead ... Not that I’m in the least bit interested in either of them …" she said before realising how that sounded, “Sorry, not that there’s anything wrong with Mickey – I mean, I know you like him …”

"WHAT?!" Charlie looked shocked.

"What? Oh, the bet – didn’t you know? Come on, you must know what Ronny's like by now!" grinned Vicki, "He took a shine to you before we even knew who you were - when he spotted you behind the bar!"

Charlie looked a little flustered and embarrassed. "Does Mickey know this?" she asked in disbelief.

"Yeah! He wasn't too happy, but since you weren't interested in Ronny, it's all fine now and, no offence, but I don't think Ronny will find it too hard to get over you!"

"Charming!" laughed Charlie, making Vicki giggle. "Typical bloke!"

“You must have had your fair share of guys …”

“Ha! Hardly!” laughed Charlie, “Maybe my fair share of losers, but there hasn’t even been many of those!”

"You can't think they're all bad," grinned Vicki, "How about Mickey?"

"Nah, he's a sweetheart ..." she smiled fondly, glancing over at him as he was still waiting to be served by Laura who was currently run off her feet managing the place single-handedly, and Vicki rolled her eyes jokingly. "Well, he is!" Charlie insisted. “In spite of what it looks like to you, it’s been hard moving here and trying to start over, specially with everything that’s happened … Mickey’s just helped to take my mind off it …

“I’ll bet he has!” Vicki grinned.

“Oi, it ain’t like that! We’ve just been taking things slow – not that we’ve had much other choice yet with me being stuck in hospital! But he’s been great and we’re having fun …”

"Aww, bless - that’s sweet! So ... have you two got any big plans for Valentine’s then?" asked Vicki, "It’d be the perfect time to forget about everything else for a change. Although it's a pity you'll have to work at the Ball instead of enjoying it - bet Mickey's disappointed!"

"What are you talking about?!" asked Charlie in confusion, looking completely baffled by Vicki’s statement and waiting for some sort of explanation.

"You working at the club on Valentine's Night - I thought your mum might have let you have the night off, but I guess you must be needed. I got lucky - Sharon said she'd let me off ..."

"I'm not supposed to be working!" exclaimed Charlie, "It's meant to be my night off anyway - James! He must have changed the rota ... I swear he's got it in for me!"

"What's up?" asked Mickey, finally appearing with a coffee for each of the girls, not waiting for an answer but quickly going to grab his own drink and then returning. "Okay, shoot!"

"Apparently James has got me down to work on Saturday night ..."

"But that's Valentine's!" said Mickey, instantly looking disappointed and shaking his head. "I thought we could go to the Ball, but not with ya stuck behind the bar! Can't ya get outta it?"

"I intend to!" she declared determinedly before making the most of the opportunity to wind him up and swatting at his arm in mock annoyance, “And hey, what’s this I’m hearing about a bet?!”

*

Having seen how disappointed Charlie would be if she had to miss out on spending Valentine's Day without Mickey, Carla had promised her daughter that she would see what she could do with regards to getting her out of having to work. And she had tried her best for her daughter, because she wanted to see her happy. She deeply regretted always having to uproot her from her home, her friends and her school throughout her life and she had sworn to herself that this would be the very last time. She had thought they could be happy here in Walford - everything seemed to be going so well. The business was proving a hit, Dani liked the area, Charlie was settling in and making friends ... And Carla was glad to see that her youngest daughter had also found someone who seemed to go a long way towards making her happy – even if she couldn’t help worrying about her getting hurt or getting too serious too soon … Maybe it was because she had been left to bring her kids up alone, but she’d always been too over-protective of them – she knew it and they knew it, but it didn’t stop her. Nothing would; it was just the way she was … However, she didn't think Mickey would do anything to hurt Charlie and so she was prepared to let it slide, for now anyway. But of course, there was still the same old problem affecting them all - James. And she couldn't get rid of him - he knew far too much for her to risk sacking him ...

Carla knew that she had much more important things to worry about than James getting on the wrong side of her daughter but she wanted to keep that to herself. She didn’t want Charlie to make a fuss about his behaviour and she knew she would - there was no reason for Charlie to have to work on Valentine's Night and Carla was fairly certain that James had rearranged the roster simply out of spite, but it would not be easy for her to do anything about it, even though she may be the owner. By now she was in charge of the business in name alone - James had her right where he wanted her ... But, for the sake of her daughter, she wasn’t going to back down over this issue. She knew she had let both her daughters down in the past by turning a blind eye to the things the manager of her club had done and that guilt had forced her to try to make up at least a little of that to Charlie by persuading James to change his mind and let her have the night off. It may not have seemed like a big deal to anyone else, but where James was concerned, it seemed to be a matter of principle to make life as unpleasant as possible for them all.

Maybe she should have been focusing on bigger problems, but right now this just seemed more important – she would do anything in her power to make her kids happy and right now, she needed to keep them happy to keep them from asking too many awkward questions; questions she didn’t have the answers to. And somehow, Carla had managed it – maybe James was as tired of petty little games as she was, but whatever the reason, Charlie would be free to spent the whole evening as she pleased with no hassle whatsoever from her boss. Yet in spite of her little victory, Carla couldn’t quite bring herself to feel pleased – there had to be a catch; there always was …

*

to be continued...

[di marco]

FAB as usual! :D glad vikki and charlie are getting on now. this script is great, hope theres more soon

[Layne]

Oh my god, i've just looked and i haven't replied in ages, i'm so sorry Torrie! :wall:
I think this is fab, more soon
Luv ya
Layne
xxx

Torrie, please can you make me a banner/picture thing, Thnkx

[Rach33]

WOWEE this is brill pleaseeeee post more

[Torrie]

32.
“So anyway, she must have really told James ‘cos I’ve got the night off!” finished Charlie happily as she strolled through the Square with her sister.

“Yeah, rub it in, why don’t ya?” said Dani, but she couldn’t quite bring herself to be mad at her little sister, having seen how excited she was about the Ball. “It’s alright for some – some of us have gotta make sure this all runs smoothly or there isn’t gonna be anything for you to enjoy, is there?”

“Aww, c’mon, Dani – it’s not like you had plans!”

“Cheers for that, Charlie – remind me that I’m dateless on Valentine’s while my kid sister’s all loved up …” sighed Dani before noticing Charlie’s guilty look. “I’m winding you up, idiot – I’m happy for you and I don’t really mind having to work …”

“We are so different!” laughed Charlie, “You love all that business stuff, but me …”

“You’re more interested in having a good time – I’d noticed! You know you’re gonna have to think about what you want to do sometime – mum isn’t gonna let you stop working at the club if you don’t have something else lined up to do …”

“I know that, I just don’t know what I want to do …”

“Yeah, right …”

“I don’t!”

“Yeah, you do – you just don’t want to take the risk …”

“You know mum won’t see ever see that as a proper job – she wouldn’t take me seriously. Lets face it, I’m stuck at the club, at least for now.” complained Charlie. “I don’t mind bar work, most of the time it’s a laugh, but … well, you know why I don’t like it.”

“Charlie …” said her sister in a warning tone.

“Don’t worry; I’ve thought about what you said and you’re right, so I’m not gonna say anything more. I’ll just avoid him like the plague!”

“Glad to hear … Is that your phone or mine?”

“Oh, it’s me – hang on …” said Charlie, fishing in her pocket for her mobile and grinning when she saw the name on the screen. "It's Mickey." she told Dani, flipping open her phone to answer the call. "Hey, babe - how's it goin'? … What? … No way! That's great! … Aww, Mickey, I'm so pleased for ya! … Today, really? … Okay, well I'll drop round a bit later, okay? 'Cos I got something to tell ya … No, I'm not telling you now! … No! … I'm hanging up now! See ya later!"

She giggled as she hung up on him and then turned back to her sister who was pretending to gag.

"Pass the sick bag!" teased Dani, "So what did he want then?"

"He's got himself a new job!" said Charlie proudly, "Down the Arches ..."

"I didn't know Mickey was a mechanic!"

"Me either - and it's probably news to Mickey too!" she laughed, "But Garry seems happy enough, so it must be alright."

"But you didn't tell him Cinderella shall go to the Ball?" said Dani with a grin.

"Thought I'd tell him in person - I'll nip round there at lunchtime and give him the good news." She gasped suddenly and grabbed her sister's arm, making her jump. "Oh no! What am I going to wear?" she shrieked making Dani roll her eyes helplessly.

*

"Oi, Garry!" yelled Lynne on her way past the Arches, "We ain't got any bread in & I ain't got time to get you nothin' so you'll just 'afta fend for yerself, yeah?"

"Awww, Lynne!" complained Garry, "I been workin' me fingers to the bone all day, innit?"

"An' I ain't?"

"Course, babe - it's alright." he quickly backed down, before mumbling to his newest employee under his breath. "Mickey, son, if ya learn nothin' else 'ere, just remember ya never argue with the missus!"

Mickey laughed, shaking his head slightly before turning back under the bonnet of the car he was working on. Suddenly, there came a wolf-whistle and he straightened up so quickly that he banged his head on the bonnet, swearing as he rubbed the bump with his hand.

"Alright, sexy - workin' hard?" came a familiar voice, making him smile even before he turned around to see his girlfriend standing by the double doors of the garage, looking, in his opinion, as cute as ever …

"Hey, Charlie!" he smiled, wiping grease off his hands with an old towel as she came over to him and kissing her briefly on the lips. "Yer a sight fer sore eyes, babe!"

"Thought I'd bring ya a bacon sarnie and a coffee - ya haven't had lunch already, have ya?"

"Nah, I ain't - yer a star, darlin'." Mickey told her with a smile.

Garry shook his head, feeling a little jealous of this. "Ay, Charlie - ya couldn't 'ave a word wi' my Lynne, could ya? Fill 'er in on the TLC us blokes need ... Micks, don't ya go lettin' that 'un escape, mate!"

Charlie giggled as Mickey wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her cheek soundly, the young man seeming only too happy to listen to Gary’s advice. "Brought you one too, Garry." she smiled, tossing him a parcelled up bacon roll and laughing at the grateful look on his face.

"I'd marry ya meself ... if I weren't spoken for!" he grinned.

"So ..." said Mickey as he leaned against the car he had been working on, his arms still around Charlie. "What ya gotta tell me? Good news, I 'ope?"

"Umm, depends ..." said Charlie solemnly, "I kinda need a favour - got this thing to go to on Saturday and apparently I need a date ..."

"The Valentine's Ball!" guessed Mickey hopefully, "Ya got outta workin'?"

"Yeah, thanks to my mum - so you up for it then or do I have to go ask some random guy ...?"

"Lemme think about it ..." he said with such a straight face that for a second she actually thought he was serious, "Lets see, do I wanna take the most gorgeous girl in Walford out … Hmmm, that’s a tough one … Course I’m up for it!

"Awww, Mickey!" grinned Charlie, hugging him excitedly as Gary just rolled his eyes. "This is gonna be the best Valentine's Day ever!”

*

“You seen these?”

“Valentine’s Ball? Round here? Sounds classy …” smirked Andy as he spared a second to look up from some paperwork.

“That ain’t my point – look who’s running it.” Sam persisted, waving the flyer in front of him impatiently.

“It’s in Platform 10, ain’t it?”

“Well, yes, but LOOK! With ANGIE’S DEN!” she said, sounding outraged. “I thought the Watts family would be out of the picture by now, but no – the club’s gone and they’re still managing to come out looking good.”

“Sam, what is your problem? It’s a flamin’ dance with soppy music and a load of desperate teenagers trying to sneak in without i.d. in the hope that they’ll pull! You think I ain’t got more important things to worry about?”

“It ain’t about the dance – it’s about the Watts.” she informed him angrily, “I thought we’d got one over on them, but they’re still around and doing their best to try to be something they ain’t – they ain’t nothing no more, especially not compared to the Mitchells and it’s about time they realised that!”

“Oh yeah, ‘cos you really showed them, Sam – I mean sending Billy and Minty to do your dirty work? Hardly intimidating stuff …” Andy said, finally putting his work aside and turning to the blonde pacing the kitchen in front of him.

“We put them out of business …”

“Don’t look like it. So you set them back a bit, so what? Listen, Sam, if you wanna play with the big boys, you gotta get tough. And, more importantly, you gotta get smart. Playing with matches, don’t make me laugh! If you mean business … prove it.” he challenged, smiling innocently as he played on her obvious weakness. “You think Phil would have handled it like this?”

“I … I dunno – he ain’t ‘ere, is he?” she said, not sure what he was getting at. “Come on then, Andy, I thought we were partners – help me out. What would you do?”

“Me? I ain’t the one running things, am I? You’re the one in charge, Sam – big responsibility, being the one looking after the best interests of the Mitchell family …”

“Andy, you must have some ideas …”

“I dunno, Sam – you think you can handle it?”

“Course I can!” she said defensively, in spite of her doubts – she never did like being told she wasn’t capable.

“Well, your big mistake is sticking with the small time – setting fire to the club … that’s alright as a … a warning … Now, you gotta prove you mean business. But you gotta be … discreet …” Andy advised thoughtfully, tapping his pen on the table. “You know how I’d play it? I’d take it slow – go for something subtle and stick with it for the long haul. It might take longer, but …” He broke off to smile knowingly, “Trust me, you ain’t the only one in this position and I like to help people out – I know from experience, the payout will make it all worthwhile … Take this bloke I know – he’s been working on a … business venture, lets say, and he’s been stringing it out for years – when it all finally comes off … He’s gonna be laughing … Now, he knows how these things work – the people he’s up against? They ain’t got a clue how out of their depth they are –they ain’t gonna suffer some little set back like the Watts family; we’re talking about finishing them …”

Sam listened intently, just looking puzzled as she had no idea what he was talking about and was about to ask when Andy seemed to realise he may have spoken out of turn.

“But that ain’t anyone round here.” he said hastily, “You know better than me how things work round here – it’s up to you how you handle it. I’m just saying you can’t hold back – if you want to get one over on the Mitchells, you gotta take chances. Think about it … I gotta get back to work – got a lot of business on …”

*

to be continued...

[Rach33]

Wkd babes it's brill please post more soon

[di marco]

wow, great as usual! :D been waiting for that part for ages! lol! :) am i right in thinking that andy was talking about james? cant wait for the next part, i really enjoy reading this script, hope theres more soon

[Torrie]

Thanks for reading, everyone! :thumbsup:

And *FanaticLovesDennis* - I've made you a piccy and I posted the link in a response to your story "Alternate ending to Den" - thought you'd see it there, lol!

33.
“So what are you saying, Carla?”

“I’m saying I won’t be here – I can’t stay and I’m sorry but that really is final.” she answered, trying to look and sound more confident than she felt.

James leaned back in his chair, eying the woman in front of him suspiciously. It was the day before Valentine’s; the day before the biggest event in the new club’s short history and she was dropping this bombshell on him. As if he didn’t have enough to deal with, given all the unforeseen complications that had arisen – mix ups with the drinks orders, last minute cancellations by the first and second choice djs and falling behind with the decorations were problematic but not impossible to overcome. It wasn’t like Carla to throw a spanner in the works like this though and it made the manager wonder just what she could be up to.

“Care to elaborate?” he said, his tone suggesting an order rather than a question.

“It’s simple – my aunt is very ill and I’m the only person available to take care of her …”

“Haven’t you got a sister or something?”

“Yes, but she could hardly be expected to fly back from Spain at such short notice.” Carla explained as patiently as she could whilst trying not to give in to her urge to roll her eyes in disgust – she knew James had never exactly proved himself to be the caring type so why should he start now?

“Oh, but you can be expected to abandon your business at such short notice?”

“Thanks for the concern,” she said wryly, knowing full well he was only bothered with how this would all affect him. “But there isn’t another option so we all have to manage as best we can – I know you and Dani are perfectly capable of looking after the club in my absence and I’m sure Sharon and Dennis will help out with the Ball. After all, it is supposed to be a joint effort …”

“Hang on, I haven’t said you can go yet!” James interrupted coolly.

“James …” Carla took a deep breath – getting on his bad side would definitely not help her case and it would almost certainly make things more difficult in the long run. Plus, it was important that she got away from the Square with as little hassle and as few awkward questions as possible …

“You think you can feed me some sob story about a sick aunt and I’ll fall for it? You should know me better than that, Carla.” James said, an almost amused smile on his face. “Still, you needn’t think you can pull the wool over my eyes – I don’t think I have anything to worry about.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Carla insisted edgily, “I know this isn’t ideal, but these things happen, James – my aunt has been ill for a while now and then she had this fall … I just need to go check up on her. I might be gone for a couple of weeks, I might only be a few days – it depends on how she is and she does tend to exaggerate about these things …”

Shaking his head and looking bored with the whole things, James simply shrugged. “Fine. If that’s the way you want to play it … fine. Go visit your ‘sick aunt’ – take all the time you want …”

“I don’t need to ask your permission, James.” she said firmly, “I’m letting you know what my plans are because of the Ball …”

“Leave it out – I don’t care what the official line is or where you tell your precious family you’re off to, you just make sure you don’t do or say anything that might make me regret turning a blind eye to what’s going on. Because, Carla, I know the truth – and just imagine if I heard you’d been trying to get one over on me … Just remember, when you’re off on your little visit, I’ll be here – keeping an eye on things … On the business … On your daughters …”

“You wouldn’t …”

“No? It’s up to you …” he said smugly, knowing he held the upper hand.

*

Back at the Saunders house, Carla had little time to dwell on her meeting with James – she still hadn’t broken the news to her daughters that she would be away for a little while and she was planning on leaving that afternoon so she didn’t really have much time. Pouring herself another cup of coffee, she sat down at the kitchen table, trying to think of what to tell them. Hearing the sound of footsteps on the stairs and cheerful singing, she couldn’t help smiling as she called to her youngest daughter.

“You sound happy.” she commented as Charlie appeared in the doorway, pulling on her jacket and smoothing her fingers through her hair.

“What’s not to be happy about?” she smiled brightly.

“You heading out?”

“Yeah, I was just going to nip over to the Arches …”

“You got a car needing a service?” Carla teased as she sipped her coffee.

Just laughing good-naturedly, Charlie shrugged and moved to perch on the edge of the table, swinging her feet a little. “I wish! Thought I’d go see Mickey …”

“No! I’d never have guessed!” her mother laughed.

“Then I thought we could maybe go shopping later this afternoon if you’re free – I could really do with some help … I still haven’t got a dress for tomorrow night …”

“Charlie! That’s just like you, rushing at the last minute!”

“I know!” she groaned, “Don’t have a go; I know it’s my own fault, but I just haven’t been able to find anything I like and I want it to be right …”

“Oh, love – I wish you’d said sooner …” Carla sighed, “I actually needed to talk to you about something – I’m not going to be free this afternoon, I have to go away for … well, probably a few days, maybe a bit longer …”

“What?!” Charlie exclaimed, looking at her mother in surprise. “A few days? But that means you’ll miss the Ball completely! What’s so important you have to go away now?”

“It’s … it’s Auntie Vi, she’s had a bit of a fall …”

“Oh no!” said Charlie in concern, “Is she okay?”

Not wanting to worry her daughter, but needing her to see that it was vital she go, Carla nodded slowly. “Well, she’s not in any danger or anything, but these things can be difficult for elderly people to cope with so I do need to go look after her for a little while. It might not be for very long at all, but I’d feel bad if I didn’t at least see how she is …”

Although she looked a little downcast, Charlie nodded in understanding. “Course, mum – you go and don’t worry about things here, we’ll be fine. It’s just a shame you’re going to miss to the first big event of your own club …”

"Never mind, love - there'll be plenty more big nights for us all to enjoy." she told Charlie, squeezing her daughter’s hand. "And anyway, you'll probably be glad not to have your old mum cramping your style on Valentine's Night! And Dani and James will be perfectly able to run things without me - Sharon and Dennis will be there to help out, won't they?"

“Suppose so.”

“Sorry I won’t be able to help you look for a dress though …”

“Oh, don’t worry about that – you go take care of Auntie Vi and I’ll sort something out …” Charlie tried to reassure her, hiding her disappointment, although her mother could tell that was what she was trying to do and tried to ease her guilt.

“I’ll make it up to you when I get back …” she promised.

“Don’t be daft, mum, it’s not your fault.” Charlie smiled, “I’ll get some of the girls to come help me and it’ll be fine.”

“I’m sure you’ll look lovely – make sure you take lots of pictures for me.” Carla said, getting up to hug her daughter. “Now, I’ll get off – I’ll call Dani and see where she is so I can go tell her what’s happening and then I’ll head straight on to Auntie Vi’s. You take care and don’t go mad when I’m not here …”

“You can trust me!” Charlie grinned, pretending to look offended as she returned the hug. “Give my love to Auntie Vi.”

*

As Dani had arrived back at the house in time, the two sisters were able to wave their mother off before Charlie headed off to the Arches.

"Ay, Charlie - ya got yer dress sorted for tomorrow night yet?" called Kelly from across the market-place, making the brunette jog across the Square to talk to her.

"Kel, I dunno what I'm gonna do!" she panicked as she caught up with her friend, "I still haven't found anything …"

“Well, at least ya got yerself a date – what ya complainin’ about?!” Kelly pouted, “Me and Zo have had to resort to dragging Gus and Spencer along – strictly until we can upgrade them with better models though!”

“True, I have got Mickey …” she smiled, relaxing for a second before panic set in again. “But what good is that if I haven’t got anything to wear – I can’t go to the Ball in jeans!”

"Listen, chill, girl - we'll sort it!" laughed Kelly, "It's Zo's turn to mind the stall later so how 'bout we go shopping - Zoë's all sorted, but I need shoes and I'll help ya find a dress. Whadda ya think?"

"You're a life saver!" grinned Charlie in relief, "Cheers!"

So the two girls shopped till they dropped, almost literally, before ending up back at the café loaded down with bags.

"I thought you only needed shoes!" laughed Charlie, looking at all Kelly's purchases.

"Well, ya never say no to a bargain, do ya?" she retorted defensively.

"And you really think this dress is okay?" Charlie sounded anxious.

"Okay?! Mickey's eyes'll be fallin' outta his head – he won’t be able to keep his hands offa ya!" exclaimed Kelly with a grin, "It looks amazin'! So, ya wanna come round the flat tomorrow night and we can have a bit of a girls' night before we go down the club - get ready, have a couple of glasses of wine ...? It’ll be fun …"

"Sounds good – count me in!"

*

to be continued ...

[Rach33]

This is amazing babes can't wait for the next part

[di marco]

this is absolutely great! :D cant wait for the next part, i really enjoy reading it, hope its soon :)

[Layne]

Just caught up, fab babes more soon
Luv ya
layne
xxx

Keep Signing Everyone

[Torrie]

Thanks for reading, everyone! :thumbsup:

34.
Bright and early on Valentine’s morning and most of the Watts household were already up, getting ready to make sure the final touches for the evening were being carried out.

“Sharon?” called Vicki, “You still here?”

Seated at the table with a cup of tea, Sharon hastily swept the card she had been examining off the table top and onto her lap, out of sight. However, she was just a little too slow for her younger sister’s sharp eyes and Vicki gasped before swiping it from her in spite of her protests.

“You got a Valentine’s card – I’m so jealous! Who’s it from? You didn’t tell me you were seeing anyone …” Vicki squealed excitedly.

“Vicki!” Sharon exclaimed, her cheeks flushed. “I’m not seeing anyone …”

“Yeah, right – then who sent this?”

“I … I dunno, do I? Maybe it was someone who knows me from the club …”

“You honestly don’t know who sent it?” Vicki said, a little sceptically.

“No …” Sharon said, looking up as Dennis walked in, back from his morning run, and avoiding his gaze. “Now, I’m gonna go get dressed – busy day and all that …”

“Lucky Sharon, eh?” Vicki commented to her brother with a shake of her head and a smile. “At least she’s got one more card than me!”

“Yeah, lucky Sharon …” Dennis said thoughtfully.

*

“Awww, c’mon, Mo!” Mickey tried as he trailed after the head of the Slater clan across the Square. “Ya can’t charge me that price – think of all the times I’ve pulled ya out of a jam and sorted ya with some proper bargains!”

“Don’t give me all that, ya ain’t gonna get round me like some mug!” she said determinedly, “I’ve named me price – take it or leave it.”

“Mo! ‘Ave a ‘eart!” he complained plaintively.

“Think about it – that’s a good price.” Mo insisted, “It ain’t my fault ya left it to the last minute – ain’t this girl ya got yer eye on worth a little bit more thought than that, Michael?”

“I’ll ‘ave ya know I’ve already got Charlie a blindin’ present.” Mickey informed her, sounding a little insulted. “But I’m on me way round there and I just thought this might be a nice surprise … I dunno, ya try to do somethin’ nice …”

Shaking her head and obviously irritated by him going on, Mo shoved a single red rose at him and then shooed him away. “Anything that means I don’t ‘ave to look at that kicked puppy face!” she glared, but a smile threatened to break through as he grinned and promised to square things with her at a later date, before hurrying off in the direction of his girlfriend’s house.

*

“Anything important?” asked Andy distractedly as he leafed through the contents of his briefcase which he had spread over the kitchen table, leaving room only for his mug of coffee.

Sam flicked through the post with a hopeful look on her face. “Bill … bill … junk … junk and … junk …” she said, her face falling just a little although she told herself this must be part of his plan – letting her think he had forgotten … “Hmmm, wonder if there might be anything else mixed up with all this junk mail – maybe something important … maybe a card …?”

Inwardly groaning and questioning why women had to be quite so needy, Andy knew he had been right when he had felt there was something he was forgetting and he also knew he’d have to cover quickly if he was going to keep Sam happy.

“A card?” he said, sounding surprised. “You really expected a card? Sam, Sam, Sam … what does the most beautiful, most powerful, woman in Walford need with a card? Not when there’s a romantic table for two with our name on it in a very exclusive restaurant up west …”

“Oh, Andy!” she gasped, “You haven’t?”

“Only the best for my girl.” he said simply, “And it’s the least I can do seeing I’m going to have to be pretty busy until this evening, but the sooner I get started, the sooner I can get back here to whisk you away.”

“I suppose that’s fair enough.” she said with a pout which melted into a smile as he gathered his papers and prepared to leave. She stopped him at the front door, kissing him softly. “So I’ll see you later then?”

“Yeah, later.” he said, returning her kiss and then hurrying to his car, leaving her focusing on thoughts of a romantic dinner – luckily distracting her from dwelling too long on the fact she didn’t get that card, that little touch which would have shown he cared, or an “I love you” in fact. But he was a busy man with important business and there was always later …

*

“Charlie!” yelled Dani from the bathroom, “Even I can hear the door and I’m trying to take a shower – get that, will you?”

“Alright, alright.” her younger sister sighed, tying the belt of her robe and making herself presentable to answer the door as she realised Mickey should be on his way to work and wondered if he might drop in …

Running her fingers through her hair and checking her reflection in the hall mirror, she opened the door, her whole face lighting up to see her boyfriend standing in the doorway.

“Mornin’, babe – ‘appy Valentine’s!” he grinned cheerily, leaning in to kiss her lightly before presenting her with a card and the rose he had gotten off Mo and her latest money-spinning scam.

“Oh, Mickey!” she exclaimed, “No one’s ever given me a rose before – that’s so sweet! Come here … Happy Valentine’s …”

She pulled him into a longer kiss he was only too happy to return, her arms slipping round his neck while she still held her as yet unopened card and her rose.

“Oi, Micks – put ‘er down, mate!” called Alfie with a chuckle as he walked past, on his way to the Queen Vic with a massive bunch of fresh flowers that could only be for Kat.

Turning briefly to acknowledge Alfie’s good-natured banter with a grin and a wave, Mickey turned back to his girlfriend and smiled down at her. “Looks like everyone’s all caught up with Valentine’s …”

“Great, ain’t it?” Charlie sighed happily, easily forgetting all the times she had sworn she hated February 14th because she didn’t have a date. “It’s lovely to see everyone so happy … So, ya got time to come in?”

“I’d love to, Charlie, but I still gotta get to work …” Mickey said, “Only for this mornin’ though, so I can ‘ave the rest of the day to spend with ya …”

“Really? That’d be brilliant – I thought I wasn’t gonna get to see ya ‘til tonight.”

“Nah, I’ve got somethin’ planned for lunch time and I can give ya the rest of yer present then …” he smiled.

“Well, in that case, I’ll give you your card now but I’ll keep your present for later too.” Charlie smiled, reluctantly letting go of him and disappearing for a second before returning with an envelope. “I suppose you better go or you’ll be late …”

“Yeah …” he said, taking the card with a smile. “Can’t wait for later though.”

“Me either.” she grinned as he gave her one last kiss and then headed down the steps. “Don’t work too hard!”

*

to be continued...

[Rach33]

Excellent babes this is really good and I love reading it Charlie and Mickey are so sweet together please post more soon

[di marco]

Wow absolutely great as per usual! :D love the script, i really enjoy reading it! :) hope theres more soon, cant wait to find out what happens next

[Torrie]

Thanks, guys, glad ya still like this! :D

35.
“Another one?” James said, shaking his head. “Persistent, I’ll give him that …”

“Pathetic more like.” came the curt answer from the other end of the phone, “Anyway, I’ll send someone round with it. I still think you should just get rid …”

“No. We keep every last one – I can think of a perfect use for them further down the line …”

“If you ask me, you’re letting personal animosity get in the way and it could seriously jeopardise things -just how much further are we talking?”

“Well, I didn’t ask you, Andy – it’s down to me, so just show a little patience, understand?” James hung up abruptly, leaning back in his chair thoughtfully, dwelling on the call for a moment longer before returning to the preparations for the night ahead.

*

“Come on, Micks, we’ve got plenty of time!” insisted Ronny as he ordered another round of drinks for the lads who had gathered in the Vic that evening.

“I’ve still gotta go ‘ome to change!” Mickey protested, even as another pint was shoved into his hand and he was herded back to the table with the others.

“If ya ain’t careful, yer gonna end up as bad as Martin!” laughed Tariq, provoking a dirty look from the subject of the comparison himself.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Martin asked.

“C’mon, mate, Sonia’s got ya well under the thumb – she’s even got ya ready to waltz up the aisle! It’s tragic really …” Tariq grinned before turning on Mickey, “I dunno what yer laughin’ at – I said yer almost as bad!”

“No way!” he shook his head vehemently, “Me an’ Charlie are fine as we are, cheers – ya ain’t gonna see us gettin’ hitched any time soon!”

“Bet that’s what Martin was sayin’ too!” teased Spencer.

“Oi, leave it out, the lot of ya!” scowled Martin, “Ya can laugh all ya want, but I’m the one with the proper relationship ‘ere – it’s been a while since the rest of ya could say that!”

“Uh, what?” asked Mickey, “Ya forgettin’ about me? Ya know, the one with the great relationship who ain’t gotta get married to prove it!”

“Oh please!” Martin shot back, “Ya been with ‘er ‘ow long? Ya probably ain’t even slept with ‘er yet!”

Mickey shifted uncomfortably in his seat as everyone turned to look at him expectantly. “Shut up an’ mind yer own!” he mumbled defensively, “At least I ain’t the one turnin’ into an old married man!”

“Ya dunno what yer on about, Mickey!” Martin frowned, “I’m off; Sonia’ll be wonderin’ where I am …”

As the argument subsided amongst laughter as Martin headed for home, proving their theory right, and the conversation turned to the night ahead, Gus leaned over to speak quietly to Mickey.

“So you and Charlie? You reckon it’s the real deal, man?” he asked.

Mickey simply shrugged, “Who knows, Gus, mate, who knows?”

“But you think she’s pretty special, yeah?”

“Course I do, ya know – she’s a great girl an’ it’s only been a few weeks but I love seein’ ‘er, love bein’ with ‘er …”

“Sounds like you love ‘er …”

“It does, don’t it …” he mused, draining the last of his pint and getting up to go as well.

*

“Charlie! Come in, come in!” Kelly greeted her enthusiastically at the door of the flat, pulling her inside and pushing a glass of wine into her hand. “’Fraid me an’ Zo started the party without ya – we opened the wine …”

“Hey, as long as there’s plenty left, I don’t mind!” Charlie grinned, waving to Zoë who was busy choosing the music and turning the volume up on the cd player. “So you two looking forward to tonight?”

“Totally!” they both chorused in reply.

“Yeah, looking forward to checking out the talent!” giggled Zoë, sinking down onto the couch. “Shame most people are gonna be all loved up already though …”

“Yeah, like a certain person not too far away …” Kelly teased, looking pointedly at Charlie who just smiled innocently. “We ain’t seen ya about – did ya ‘ave a good day?”

“I had a wonderful day …” Charlie sighed contentedly as she sat cross-legged on the floor, nursing her drink.

“Come on then – details, details!” demanded Zoë. “I ‘ope Mickey made sure ya did somethin’ special …”

“Awww, bless him, he did! He had to work, but he planned this little picnic for lunch time …”

“’Ang on, weren’t it rainin’ this lunch time?” interrupted Zoë.

“Erm … yeah, but that wasn’t Mickey’s fault – he tried. Anyway, it wasn’t a complete disaster – we got soaked and had to abandon our sandwiches, but we ended up eating chips in this posh car they’re servicing down the Arches!” Charlie recalled with a laugh.

“I know mechanics are meant to be thorough, but testing out the back seat – ain’t that a bit much?” Kelly grinned, earning herself a thump with a cushion. “So did ya get a pressie?”

“Yeah, look! And I got a rose too! And a card!” Charlie beamed, showing them the heart shaped locket secured around her neck with a delicate silver chain to awww noises from Zoë and a slightly more cynical joke about skin turning green from Kelly.

“Awww, that’s the best part, ain’t it – when ya just start goin’ out with someone new?” Zoë said wistfully, “When ya still get goosebumps when ya touch them and there’s still sparks when ya kiss …”

“And butterflies in your stomach when you know you’re gonna see him …” Charlie agreed with a smile.

“Uh oh, ya definitely got it bad, girl!” Kelly laughed, shaking her head. “So anyway ‘ave ya seen the club – are we in for a good night?”

“Dunno, Zo – Dani wants me to be as surprised as anyone else so I haven’t seen it since they started decorating. I guess we’ll know soon enough …”

“Speaking of which, we should get ready – just in case the guys decide to actually be on time!”

“Yeah, right, Kel – if I know that lot, they’ll be down the Vic!” Zoë sighed, not knowing how right she was.

*

At Platform 10 that night, crowds gathered early for the start of the Valentine’s Ball and in no time the place was buzzing and music spilled out into the street each time the doors opened. Wanting her sister to enjoy her evening, Dani hadn't even allowed Charlie to help decorate the club for the Ball so that it would be a surprise for her as well as everyone else and now she was impatient to see the reaction from her little sister.

“Charlie!” she exclaimed as her sister appeared from behind her, seemingly out of nowhere. “I was watching for you – when did you get here?”

“Just a couple of minutes ago – you must have missed us.” Charlie told her, hugging her and congratulating her on the success the night already seemed set to be. “The place looks fantastic …”

The whole club was decorated with deep red drapes, red and silver balloons and tiny sparkling fairy-lights, while the strobe lights also helped light it with soft colour and the music completed the whole romantic atmosphere. Charlie looked around, a smile on her face which only broadened when her gaze fell on Mickey who was waiting for her at the bar.

“Looks like someone thinks I’m getting in the way …” Dani laughed, “You have a good night, Charlie – go enjoy yourself!”

“I intend to!” she winked in return, squeezing her sister’s hand as she hurried back to her boyfriend. "I knew Dani had big plans for tonight, but I hardly recognise this place!"

Mickey nodded his agreement, handing her the drink he had already gotten for her and taking her free hand in his. He’d hardly taken his eyes off her since he, Gus and Spencer had arrived, only a little late, to pick the girls up from the flat. “’Ave I told ya ‘ow gorgeous ya look yet?” he smiled, making her blush.

“I think you mentioned it …” she laughed, “More than once!”

“Well, it’s true – ya look beautiful.” he told her again, his eyes roaming over her as she stood before him in a low-cut dark green dress which brought out the colour of her eyes. He leaned down to kiss her, pulling her in close to him, “’Appy Valentine’s, darlin’ … Now, ‘ow about that dance ya promised me?”

*

to be continued...

[di marco]

great again! :D this script is brill! :) really enjoy reading it, hope theres more very soon

[Rach33]

Excellent I really love reading this script it's brilliant please post more soon

[Layne]

Love it, more soon!

[Torrie]

Thanks for reading, everyone! :)

36.
"So … how about a dance then?" asked Dennis, raising his eyebrows questioningly and making Sharon look even more flustered than before.

"Dennis, we're meant to be helping …"

"Everything's under control - we might as well enjoy tonight …" he said persuasively.

"Sharon!" called Vicki, "How come you two aren't dancing? Go on!" And without pausing for an answer, she grabbed each of their arms and tugged them onto the dance floor, before waltzing off to find a partner of her own, leaving them looking at each other a little awkwardly.

"Can't do any harm …" Sharon relented and, as Dennis held out his arms to her, she slowly stepped closer to place one hand tentatively on his shoulder while he took her other in his.

*

Keen to avoid what he saw as unnecessary and largely nauseating levels of public displays of affection, James had retreated to the solitude of his office and was catching up on some paperwork when there came a sharp knock on the door. However, he didn’t even have time to respond before the door opened and a vaguely familiar man in a suit entered.

“Did I say you could come in?” James asked archly, regarding the newcomer intently.

“Andy sent me.”

“So? This ain’t Andy’s office, now is it?”

“Didn’t think I should hang about – Andy said you wouldn’t want anyone to be able to link the two of you …”

“And I’m sure you were very inconspicuous – bring a date, did you?”

“Listen, Harrison …” Obviously irritated by his treatment, that was as far as Andy’s messenger got before he bit back any response – working for Andy Hunter had clearly instilled that much – and reached into his inside jacket pocket, producing a plain brown envelope with a name scrawled on the front. “The boss said you wanted this.” he said moodily, slamming the envelope down onto the table and pushing it towards James.

A slow smile crossed his usually cold features as James reached out to take it. “Ah yes – I’ve been quite looking forward to this. Usually an entertaining read, I must admit …” he said, turning the envelope over in his hands and then looking up sharply at his visitor. “Will that be all?”

Reading his tone of voice as a dismissal, the messenger turned to go; opening the door and almost colliding with Dani who was standing before him, one hand poised to knock. She looked up at him, wondering who he was and what he had been talking to James about but, before she could even speak, he was pushing past her and was gone.

“Who was that?” she asked of James, turning back to close the door behind her so as to keep out the noise from the club.

“Who, him?” James said, taking the opportunity while her back was turned to slip the envelope, which was clearly addressed to Charlie Saunders, into his pocket. “New promoter – told him we’re not interested, but who knows, he might be back. I’m dealing with it. Now, what did you want?”

“Oh, slight problem on the door – nothing major, but we thought you should deal with it.” Dani explained.

“And why can’t the bouncers deal with it – where’s Shaun?”

“They’re there, Shaun too, but we didn’t want to create any bad publicity by making a big scene – we thought a quiet word from the manager might be enough. Basically, we’re full to capacity – we’ll be risking health and safety if we let anyone else in, but some people aren’t taking no for an answer …”

With an impatient sigh, James rose from his chair, following her out of the office. “I shouldn’t have to deal with these things – why do you think we employ staff?” he grumbled, not noticing the envelope fall from his pocket as he strode out the door to land name side up just outside his office door.

*

Meanwhile Mickey and Charlie had spent the evening dancing together, laughing, talking and thoroughly enjoying the evening together and now they had caught up with their friends and somehow found a place for them all to sit, at a push anyway – Charlie had never seen the club so packed. They had gathered around a table, trying to find room for them all and ending up with Martin standing with his back to the wall and Sonia leaning against him comfortably, while Mickey had pulled Charlie onto his lap so she could give her seat to Kelly.

“Some night, huh?” said Gus, “Bet Ronny’s well chuffed he finally nailed this gig!”

They all looked over to the where Ronny was positioned behind his decks, surrounded by girls and obviously in his element, giving them the thumbs-up before turning his attention back to his music.

“And it looks like it’s third time lucky for us.” Sonia smiled.

“’Ow d’ya mean?”

“Think about it, Tariq.” Zoë started to explain, “First time we all decided to do something special, we end up nearly getting killed in a crash and then getting hypothermia in the middle of nowhere! Second time …” she trailed off, not really wanting to remind Charlie and Vicki of their ordeal.

“Second time, it was less frostbite and more third degree burns!” Vicki put in, trying to make light of the situation in spite of the bad memories it brought back – for all of them if the looks they exchanged were anything to go by, although it was much worse for her and Charlie.

“But ‘ay, Sonia’s right.” said Mickey cheerfully, although he had inadvertently tightened his arms around his girlfriend protectively at the mention of what she had been through. “Third time lucky – ‘ere’s to a great night …”

Putting all negative thoughts out of their minds, they grinned and raised their glasses, draining their drinks and then arguing light-heartedly over whose turn it was to get the next round in!

Amid the banter, Mickey tried to whisper something to Charlie but she couldn't quite hear him over the music and he finally motioned for her to get up, taking her hand and leading the way out of the club.

"Oh, it’s good to get some fresh air – it’s starting to get pretty crowded in there! What were you saying?" she asked once they were outside.

"It weren't that important," he admitted with a little smile, wrapping his arms around her waist, "Any excuse to get ya on yer own for a bit!"

"Oh really?" she smiled innocently, placing her hands on his shoulders, "And why would you want to do that?"

Instead of answering, he simply pulled her close and kissed her passionately, only drawing back at the sound of a voice directed towards them.

"Fancy seeing you two out here - all alone." James said scathingly, "I'm sure Mummy would be pleased if she knew …"

"Well, no doubt she'll hear all about it now!" sighed Charlie, "Did you want something? I'm not working tonight so …"

"Now, no need to be like that, Charlene!" he scolded mockingly, "I just wanted to catch you when you weren't too … preoccupied … to ask when your mother expects to be back exactly?"

"Didn't she tell you - I can't imagine why!" Charlie pretended to sound surprised.

"Neither can I." said James, sounding as if he knew something she didn't. "Seeing as I am the manager, I do find it rather hard to believe that she couldn’t be a little more specific – I am in charge of her business after all and need to know these things … Although, I can see from your face that you don't know too much about it either - makes you wonder what that mother of yours is really up to, doesn't it? How is your aunt?"

"What are you trying to say?" asked Charlie impatiently.

"I'm just pointing out that your mother can be full of surprises - believe me, I know. And I thought she would at least call and tell you how your aunt is – it must be at least a little serious for her to go tearing off at such short notice … I thought she might be more open with her daughters, but I guess I was wrong about that … Oh well, enjoy your evening." And with that puzzling speech, he strode back into the club leaving Charlie confused and irritated.

"I can't stand him!" she said forcefully, "I think he really gets a kick out of winding me up!"

"Don't waste any time over it," advised Mickey, "Ignore 'im - he ain't worth the hassle!"

But much as she tried to forget, Charlie couldn't help puzzling over her boss's words – at least not straight away. However, she wasn’t going to let anyone – not even James – ruin their night. Not that she was in any hurry to bump into him again, lingering outside in the hope of avoiding him until Mickey saw her shivering in the cold night air and took off his jacket to drape it round her shoulders.

“We don’t have to go back in if ya don’t want …” he said, knowing what she was trying to do.

“I’m not gonna let him spoil our night!” she insisted, turning to go back inside.

“It don’t have to spoil anything …” Mickey said with a little grin, “I ain’t gonna complain ‘bout gettin’ ya all to myself …”

“No? Well, in that case … we could go back to mine …” she suggested slowly, a smile tugging at her lips. “Hang on though, I got Dani to leave my bag in the office for me – I’ll go get it.”

She started to hurry back inside, laughing as she couldn’t get too far – her hand still held in Mickey’s. She leaned back in for a kiss and then slipped her hand out of his, promising she’d be as quick as she could and she would have been as good as her word if she hadn’t spied an envelope lying on the floor outside James’s office. Having already retrieved her bag, she bent to pick it up and return it to wherever it belonged, when she noticed the name on the front – her own.

Puzzled as to what it could be and why it was there, she was about to open it when James appeared from the direction of the bar and spotted the envelope, which he had just realised was missing, in her hand.

“Stop …” he ordered before breaking off unsurely, anxious to hide how essential it was that she didn’t open the letter as he was well aware she would more than likely do the exact opposite of what he asked.

*

to be continued ...

[di marco]

you cant leave us in suspense like that!!! :) absolutely brill again! :D wonder what going to happen with charlie, james and this envelope. cant wait for the next part to find out what happens, hope its very soon

[Torrie]

Sorry for the delay - haven't been having too good a week, but here's the next part!

37.
“Stop what?” asked Charlie in surprise.

“That isn’t meant for you.” James tried unconvincingly, stepping towards her and holding out his hand for the envelope.

“Funny, ‘cos it’s got my name on it …”

“Yes, I know, but you weren’t meant to get it and I think you should just give it to me.”

“You might be my boss, but vetting my post is a bit extreme – even for you.” Charlie snapped, “It’s got my name on it so it’s obviously for me and I’d like to know what’s in it. It must be pretty important if it’s got you so worked up …”

“Hand it over, Charlene. NOW. It isn’t important in the slightest, but I want to spare you the uncomfortable reading …”

Seeing she was now ignoring him and about to rip open the envelope, James stepped forward and closed his fingers around her wrist in a vise-like grip – not hurting her like the last time he had done this, but merely preventing her from opening the letter.

“Get your hands off me!” she protested.

“Charlie, listen,” he said, trying to sound reasonable. “I’m doing this for your own good to save you the aggro – I’ll tell you what the letter is … It’s from me.”

“From you?” she repeated, not understanding.

“Yes, me. Or rather, from the club – it’s an official warning about your behaviour …” He let go of her arm as she tried to interrupt him, “I know, I know – I prepared it before the fire when your time-keeping and your attitude weren’t really up to scratch … You can’t be seen to receive preferential treatment just because you’re Carla’s daughter, you know. I did hold back on giving it to you though and I actually changed my mind – I know we … rub each other up the wrong way … but I think we can both be mature about this. I was about to tear it up tonight, but then something came up and I must have dropped it –I’d really rather you didn’t read it and we put this all behind us … Let’s face it, we’re never going to see eye to eye, but for your mother’s sake … let’s try to make the effort. What do you say? Will you let me tear it up?”

Studying him thoughtfully, distrust obvious in her gaze, Charlie finally relented and hesitantly placed the letter in his hand. “For your mother’s sake” – that had really hit home as she knew her mother had enough on her plate without worrying about petty squabbles as well.

“Good, I’m glad that’s settled.” James said, waiting for her to go but she made no move to do so. “Yes?”

“Go on then – tear it up.” Charlie said evenly.

“Fine.” James answered after a pause, ripping the unopened envelope into two. Seeing she was still waiting expectantly, he hid his reluctance and ripped it into smaller pieces, crumpling them as he leaned around the open door of his office and dropped them into his waste paper bin. “It’s gone. Forgotten.”

“Fine.” And with that Charlie headed back out to the bar, unaware of James’s scowl as he followed her.

*

Still pondering over what had just happened, Charlie wandered aimlessly through the club, not really paying attention as she simply allowed her mind to wonder. She didn’t trust James and she didn’t know whether to believe him or not, but she couldn’t help thinking there was no plausible reason for him to lie about something like that …

“Charlie?” came a voice from behind her and she turned only to see that Mickey had given up waiting for her outside and no wonder. She still had his jacket draped around her shoulders and he must have been freezing as he waited for her, a fact proven by the way he was trying in vain to hide his shivers.

“Oh, Mickey, you must be so cold!” she exclaimed, a guilty look on her face. “I got held up – I’m so sorry. C’mere …”

She quickly handed his jacket back to him, rubbing her hands up and down his arms before hugging him tightly.

“I’ll be alright …” he said, managing a little grin as he wrapped his arms round her waist. “Once I get the feelin’ back in me fingers … Nah, seriously, it ain’t that bad. Ya okay, Charlie? Ya didn’t run into James again, did ya? Ya ‘ad a funny look on yer face when I spotted ya …”

She paused for a second and then shook her head – she wasn’t quite sure what was going on with the enigmatic club manager, but she didn’t think she wanted to drag her boyfriend into it. Especially not when things were going so well for them – she didn’t want to spoil that needlessly.

“It’s fine.” she smiled up at him, leaning in for a little kiss. “Now, we were about to try sneaking off …”

“Charlie? Charlie! I’ve been looking for you …” Dani called, making the young couple sigh in unison as their plans were once again thwarted. “We wanted to get some photos of the first big event – to go with the ones from the opening, of course – don’t move, either of you! Oh, you both blinked – you’re probably going to have your eyes closed in that one now!”

“What do you expect when you point a camera at someone with no warning?!” Charlie exclaimed, closing her eyes to let them recover from the camera flash.

“Quit moaning – you know how mum’ll go on if she doesn’t get to see how you looked!” Dani insisted, getting ready to take another picture.

“Humour her and maybe she’ll go away!” Charlie pretended to whisper, intentionally making her words easily audible to both Mickey and her sister, but nevertheless the two duly smiled for the camera as requested.

“Great!” Dani beamed happily, “You can go now – I’m off to take more pictures. Ooh, look – Dennis and Sharon. Don’t they look almost like a couple? If you didn’t know they were related, you’d really think they were … together … Anyways, you two go enjoy the rest of the night!”

As Dani hurried off, Charlie and Mickey turned to look at each other and then burst out laughing.

“Ya wanna get outta ‘ere?” Mickey asked.

“Quick, before someone else notices us!” Charlie grinned, leading the way to the exit.

*

"My feet are killin' me in these bloody things!" Charlie groaned, indicating her strappy high-heeled sandals as she and Mickey made their way across the Square.

"Take 'em off then." her boyfriend suggested with a shrug.

"Mickey! There's no way I'm walkin' home in my bare feet - God only knows what I'd step in!" she said, wrinkling up her nose in disgust at the thought and he just grinned at how cute she looked before making her sit down on the nearby bench and kneeling in front of her to take the offending sandals off for her in spite of her protests.

Sitting down beside her, he wrapped an arm around her shoulders, allowing her a little break to rest her feet.

“That’s all that dancin’.” he commented with a smile.

“That’s what I get for wearing these heels – the price us girls pay for fashion!” she laughed, but she soon fell quiet again, looking lost in thought.

“Ya alright, babe?” asked Mickey, “Yer kinda quiet …”

“Hmmm? Oh, sorry, Micks – I was just … miles away …”

“Ya sure there’s nothin’ wrong? Ya would tell me if there was something bothering ya?”

“Course I would …” she said quietly, after a pause. “It’s nothing, really. Well, if I’m honest, it was James who held me up before and he just …”

“He didn’t give ya a ‘ard time, did he?” Mickey asked, looking down at her anxiously.

“No and I suppose that’s what threw me – daft, I know. He was actually making an effort and it just … I’d almost rather he was yelling at me ‘cos at least I know where I stand then! I dunno what to think now –I still don’t trust him as far as I could throw him!”

“Why’s he always on yer case anyway?”

“Wish I knew!” she said wryly, “Oh, c’mon, lets not think about him now – I’ve really enjoyed tonight so I’m not gonna spoil it now …”

“Good plan …” smiled Mickey, leaning down to kiss her before giving her time to slip her feet back into her sandals and then taking her hand to lead the way back to her house, where she fumbled in her bag for her keys.

“This place is finally starting to feel like home …” she said as she tried to turn the key in the lock, giggling as Mickey’s arms slipped around her as he stood behind her, kissing her neck. She turned in his arms to kiss him back even as she pushed the door open, almost toppling the two of them over and making them both laugh. “Want the guided tour?” she asked between kisses, realising that the last time he had seen the house, it had still been full of unpacked boxes.

“Mmm, ‘ow ‘bout we start with yer room …” he winked, tossing his discarded jacket over the banister of the stairs.

“Come on then …” she said with a coy smile, leading the way to the stairs and looking back at him over her shoulder.

Although he followed willingly, never taking his eyes off her in that stunning dress, he paused at the top of the stairs, still holding her hand in his. "Ya are sure 'bout this, Charlie?" he asked softly, not prepared to push her into something she didn’t want.

"Definitely ..." she just whispered, making him smile as he pulled her into his arms longingly, kissing her and walking her backwards into her bedroom, kicking the door shut behind them.

*

to be continued ...

[Rach33]

your script is amazing just caught up please post more soon

[di marco]

yeh its fantastic! :D really dont like james, hes so blatantly hiding something! :) cant wait for the next part, hope its soon

[Torrie]

Thanks, guys! :thumbsup:

38.
“So this is the infamous Platform 10 then?”

Dani turned at the sound of a familiar voice, her face lighting up as she spotted a group of girls around her own age, all busy looking around the club with broad smiles.

“You’re here!” she grinned, hurrying to hug them all. “I’m so glad you could come!”

“Course we came –we couldn’t miss seeing the new club; it looks fantastic! And you are still on for coming with us to this late-night place, aren’t you?”

“Ohhh … yeah …” said Dani hesitantly.

“Awww, Dani, come on – you’re not thinking of backing out now, are you? We had this all planned – you coming with us, making a night of it. Come on – it’s Valentine’s and we’re all single, the least we can do is have a girls night out!” her mate insisted.

“No, I am coming, Kerry, course I am.” Dani reassured them all, “But mum’s gone away so I’ve got this place to see to and I kinda forgot to mention it to Charlie …”

“Well, that’s easily sorted – tell Charlie you’re off out and she’ll be fine. Is she here? How is she these days anyway?”

“Oh, she’s fine and yeah, she’s here … somewhere anyway. With her new boyfriend!” Dani grinned.

“Well, well, good for her – she don’t waste much time!” Kerry smiled as the other girls all chuckled.

“She’s seems pretty happy to me so that’s all that matters – she’s had a rough time …” Dani told them, “But that’s another story. Listen, I don’t see her about, but I’ll give her a ring. I might have to let you go on and catch you up though – we won’t be finished up here for ages …”

“Ah, Dani – a word if I may?”

Dani held back a sigh as the manger of the club appeared from behind her, a strangely courteous smile on his face.

“I couldn’t help overhearing …”

“I bet you couldn’t.”

“… and I thought I could help – you get off early, see your friends, and I’ll deal with things here. I am the manager after all.” James offered unexpectedly.

“What’s the catch?” she asked suspiciously, folding her arms.

“No catch, Dani – you’ve been working hard these last few days so I don’t think it’s a problem. Just don’t make a habit of it.”

“Well, if you’re sure it’s okay …”

“Go on, before I change my mind.” he said, watching as she hurried back to her friends with an odd expression on his face.

*

Mickey couldn’t quite believe the timing – it had all been going so well. They only had the house to themselves until the club closed and Dani came home, but there he was sitting on Charlie’s bed with his tie long gone and his shirt half off and she had kicked off her heels, let down her hair, kissed him half senseless … and then pulled away to answer her mobile phone. Talk about a mood killer!

“About time an’ all!” he exclaimed as she ended the call and walked towards him. “Who was calling at this time of night?”

“That was Dani …” Charlie informed him as she settled herself comfortably on his lap, her arms around his neck. “She forgot to tell me she’s going out with some mates of hers from where we used to live – and she’s staying over with them so she ain’t gonna be home ‘til tomorrow evening …”

“Really?” Mickey said hopefully, “So we’ve got the place completely to ourselves?”

“All night.” confirmed Charlie, with a knowing smile. “Bet you’re glad I answered that call now!”

“Too right!” Mickey grinned, lying back on the bed and making her giggle as he pulled her with him, kissing her deeply.

*

After closing, everything finally quietened down at Platform 10 as the last of those who had been enjoying the night headed for home and the staff set about clearing things up. Keen to get home themselves, it didn’t take long for them to restore the club to order and at last, only James was left to lock up. Inwardly congratulating himself on a highly successful night, he surveyed the darkened club and then wandered behind the bar to pour himself a stiff drink. Well-deserved, in his eyes.

With his brandy in one hand, he strolled back to his office, pausing just inside the door thoughtfully. Then he reached into the waste-paper basket, retrieving a few pieces of torn paper and envelope with a smile and spreading them out on his desk. Carefully, he extracted the pieces of paper from inside each piece of envelope and arranged them in order, smoothing out the creases and then making himself comfortable as he prepared to read the seemingly destroyed letter he had managed to salvage, sipping his drink as he did so. It would take more than a few rips or creases to get the better of him …

*

Meanwhile, all had fallen quiet back at the Saunders house as well and the house was in darkness, save for the small bedside light which was all that illuminated Charlie’s room. Bathed in its soft glow, the young couple lay contentedly in each others arms, still completely caught up in each other and in the moment.

“Ya okay, darlin’?” Mickey asked softly, reaching out to tuck a stray lock of hair behind her ear and letting his fingertips gently slide over her cheek.

“Never better …” murmured Charlie drowsily as she lifted her head slightly from his bare chest to look up at him.

"So ... no regrets then?" he tried to ask the question casually.

"Course not! Don't look so worried!" she said, putting his mind at ease as she snuggled up to him.

"I just ... didn’t want ya to think maybe ya made a mistake ..." he admitted in a whisper.

“I don’t do one night stands, Mickey …” she said softly, hoping he wouldn’t back out of this if she told him how she really felt. “I wouldn’t have slept with you if I didn’t think this was right, but I think it is – it feels right …”

“I was ‘oping ya’d say that …” he answered, looking down at her with a smile.

“Yeah?”

“Course! I know we ain’t been together that long, but with everythin’ that’s happened … I feel like I’ve known ya for ages an’ … I really care about ya, Charlie …”

“I care about you too, Mickey …” Charlie said, obviously touched by his words, before adding with a hopeful smile, “You don’t have to rush off, do you? Your parents won’t be wondering where you are?”

“Nah, I don’t think so – they’ll reckon it got late so I crashed at Spence’s or somethin’.” Mickey said after a moment’s thought. “So ya want me to stay then?”

“Need you ask?” she asked with raised eyebrows, shifting so she could press a lingering kiss to his lips before lying back down, her arms around his waist. “Mmmm, this is nice …”

“Just nice?” he teased, feigning a hurt look.

“You know what I mean!”

“Yeah,” he admitted, leaning down to kiss the top of her head as he held her close, “Yeah, I do, darlin’.”

*

to be continued...

[melonb]

wow ive just caught up wit it all! its reli gd. i luv mickey n charli they r so cute!
cant wait 4 more!!
lol

[Layne]

Brill, more soon babes!
Luv ya banna by the way!!
Luv ya
Layne
x x x

[di marco]

fab as usual! :D wonder what that letter is about? hope theres more soon, cant wait to see what happens :)

[Rach33]

BRILLIANT babes please post more soon and I love your banna and the wording is perfect on it

[Torrie]

Thank you, everyone - glad you're enjoying this and glad you like the sig too! :D

39.
“Mickey … Miiii-ckey …” came a singsong voice through his dreams, making him shift about restlessly.

“Mmm-hmm …?” he managed, still more than half asleep and with his eyes still shut.

“You awake, babe?”

“Nooo …”

“Someone’s not a morning person!” Charlie giggled, smiling to see him keeping his eyes tightly closed and trying to draw the covers further up over himself. Reaching for the nearest item of clothing, she found his shirt and pulled it on, quickly doing up a couple of buttons and then shifting so she was kneeling over him. “Still asleep?” she asked before leaning down to kiss him, “How ‘bout now?”

“Now that’s a wake-up call …” he said, a slow grin crossing his face as he opened his eyes to see her in front of him, wearing his shirt with her hair all tousled and a cute smile on her face. “Mornin’, gorgeous.”

“Afternoon might be closer!” she teased, allowing him to reach up to cup her face in his hands and plant a kiss firmly on her lips. “Thought you were gonna sleep all day!”

“Well, ya shouldn’t ‘ave worn me out then, should ya?” he grinned cheekily, “It can’t be that late, can it?”

“Nah, I’m winding you up – it’s about half ten and I just woke up myself …”

“That shirt looks better on you than it does on me, ya know.” Mickey informed her as he finally propped himself up on one elbow and drank in the sight of her.

“Oh, I dunno – it looks pretty good on you too.” she smiled, “Want some breakfast – I was gonna go make some if you want …?”

“Or … ya could just forget about breakfast and come back to bed …?” he said hopefully, reaching out to her and pretending to frown as she leaned back out of his reach.

“We can’t stay in bed all day!” she protested with a grin.

“Wanna bet? C’mere an’ at least gimme the chance to try provin’ ya wrong!”

“How’s this for a compromise – breakfast in bed?” she countered.

“Okay, done.” he nodded, “Hurry back!”

Charlie just grinned as she headed for the door. “Don’t go anywhere!” she giggled, opening the door and heading down the stairs only for the smile to be wiped off her face as she met her mother in the hall, looking like she had been just come in. “Mum! What … When did you … What are you doing here?”

*

Carla’s face darkened as she noticed what her daughter was wearing and she closed her eyes for a second, willing herself to stay calm. “I got a lot back earlier than I expected – not early enough by the looks of it. Go get dressed.”

“Mum, it’s not what it looks like …”

Carla raised an eyebrow sceptically. “Well, this is going to be good – tell me, Charlie, how is it not what it looks like?”

“I … We … I mean …”

“Thought so. Get dressed, tell your … guest … to get dressed and I want to speak to you in the kitchen in five minutes. Alone.”

“Mum …”

“Don’t try my patience, Charlene – go!”

Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment, Charlie turned and went back into her room, closing the door and leaning against it for a second, unable to quite believe what had just happened but knowing from the unusual use of her full name that her mum must really be angry.

“I take it you heard that?” she asked Mickey.

“Yeah … I suppose breakfast’s off then?” he quipped in hope of lightening the mood, making her look at him in disbelief that he could be so calm and then drawing a little laugh from her in spite of everything – trust him to think of that first!

*

Meanwhile, Carla was pacing the living room floor with an anxious look on her face - she had been stressed out enough by her trip and her latest discovery was doing little to help the situation. The visit she had just returned from had been long overdue, but she had been unwilling to leave things unattended for long back in the Square and so had rushed back, needing time to think and not to be thrown into this - her nerves were already on edge as it was. She sat down on the edge of the couch, but was unable to settle and quickly stood up and started pacing again. She had no idea what she was going to say to her youngest daughter, only wanting to somehow make her see her point of view ... She sat back down again, running her hands through her hair only to glance up sharply as she heard footsteps on the stairs and she watched quietly as Charlie made her way hesitantly into the living room, Mickey following her.

"Mum ..."

But Carla ignored her daughter for the moment, looking straight past her and directing her words to Mickey.

"Shut the door on your way out."

"Carla ... I mean, Mrs Saunders ... ya 'afta know, I think Charlie’s a top girl – I’d never do anythin' to 'urt yer daughter …" he said, defying her somewhat hostile attitude by wrapping a protective arm around his girlfriend.

"Don't make me repeat myself." she said coldly, a warning tone in her voice.

"But ..."

"Mickey, don't," said Charlie softly, touching his arm. "There's no point trying right now - leave it to me."

"What? I ain't gonna just leave ya ..."

"It's for the best - go on, I'll see ya later."

"Well, if yer sure ..." he said, but he obviously wasn't happy about it. In spite of Carla's glare, he leaned over to give Charlie a quick kiss on the cheek. "If ya need me, ya just gimme a call, yeah?"

She nodded and when he had left, she turned back to her mother with a sigh.

"Hear me out, Mum ..." she began.

"No, Charlie, you hear me out." said Carla sternly, "What were you thinking? I can't turn my back for five minutes! I went away thinking I could trust you and you've seriously let me down! Is this how I brought you up?"

"Mum, I'm nearly twenty years old!" Charlie protested. "You can't ..."

"Can't what? This is my house, Charlie - I make the rules. Do you think I'm going to stand by and watch while you throw your life away? I know I've made mistakes, but that's why I'm not going to let you make the same ones ... Were you careful?”

“Mum!” protested Charlie, really not wanting to be discussing this with her mother of all people.

“Don’t ‘Mum’ me, Charlene! Were you careful?” she insisted.

“Yes! For God’s sake, yes, we were careful!” answered Charlie, her cheeks red with embarrassment. "Can't you trust me to have a bit of sense – I’m not a little kid anymore and I'm not an idiot ..."

"Are you saying I am?"

"Of course I'm not saying that ..."

"Listen, Charlie, when I was four years younger than you are now, I was already pregnant with Dani. Now I'm not for one second saying I regret having her, but I do regret the way it happened. I should have waited until I could provide for her, until I could give her everything I never had, but I didn't get that chance. Whether I liked it or not, it was happening. And of course, until then, I knew it all and that I was being so careful and so smart ... but I was young and in love and just got carried away. You can play the sensible daughter all you like, and I know that you are, but I also know first hand what it's like to be in that position and I don't want to see you make the same mistakes as me. I'm just trying to look out for you, love." Carla tried to explain, running a hand desperately through her hair.

"I know you are." sighed Charlie, "And I do appreciate you looking out for me, but you can't control me. And it’s not as if we rushed into anything …

“Charlie, we only just moved here!”

“Oh please, you make it sound like we got here yesterday – a lot has happened since we got here … Mum, can't you just be happy for me? Mickey said he cares about me ..."

“And you think men won’t say anything to get what they want? That just shows how much you still have to learn …”

“I know he meant it – he’s not the type to say something he didn’t mean.” insisted Charlie, “Don’t you want me to be happy, is that it? Or do you just find it so hard to believe that he might actually care about me?”

"Oh darling, of course I want you to be happy - I just don't want you to get too serious too soon. And maybe Mickey isn't the best person for you - he doesn't seem to be a good influence and he is older ..."

"By like a couple of years – that’s nothing! And, come on – you liked him! He saved my life …"

“That doesn’t mean you have to sleep with him – you don’t owe him anything!”

“That’s not what I meant and you know it – we hadn’t known each other that long then and plenty of other guys would have left it to the fire brigade, but Mickey didn’t, he risked his own life and if he hadn’t … well, maybe we wouldn’t be having this argument!”

"That's not the issue.” Carla tried, taking a deep breath. “Charlie, you’re a bright girl – you could really make something of yourself … I know I couldn’t afford to send you to university before, but you’ve been working and the club’s doing really well – you could go next year, get a degree behind you … Do you want to be tied down at your age – ending up trapped all your life with kids and having to struggle for everything …”

“Who are we talking about here, mum – me or you?”

“I … I just know you could do so well, be anything you want … You could really make a life for yourself. Please don’t throw that away, love.”

“So that’s what you think …” Charlie said, a hurt look coming over her face as something seemed to dawn on her.

“Charlie?” Carla said, seeing the look on but not understanding it.

“You regret how your life turned out – ‘cos of me and Dani …” her daughter said slowly, her eyes filling with tears. “You wanted a proper life and instead you were stuck as a teenage mum and now … a single parent. Dad … He left because of us, didn’t he? He didn’t want that sort of life either so he left and you were stuck … It’s true, isn’t it, mum? That’s why he left …”

*

to be continued...

[Rach33]

This is brilliant please post more was that really why he left dum dum dum PLEASE

[Moon's_angel]

wow dum dum dum...
MORE MORE MORE

[Torrie]

Thanks for the replys, guys! :thumbsup:

40.
Early as it was, James was already on his way to Platform 10, only pausing to answer his mobile phone. Checking there was no one paying attention to him, he glanced around and then turned his back to the wall so he could keep an eye on the Square while taking the call.

“Well?” he asked sharply, wasting no time on mere pleasantries. “Did you follow her? … And?”

James listened intently to the reply, yet his eyes followed the hustle and bustle of the market place, not missing a thing. As his gaze travelled automatically to the Saunders house, he raised his eyebrows to see Mickey emerge, still in his suit from the night before and appearing to look back anxiously at the house.

“She’s what?” James asked, transferring his full attention back to the call. “Back already? Bet that set the cat among the pigeons … Oh, nothing important, it just explains something. So where was she? … I knew it! Spinning me some sob story about an aunt … Course she won’t have told anyone – I’d put money on it that the daughters got the same version of events as I did. … Oh, don’t worry – I half expected it anyway; why do you think I asked you to watch her? … Yeah, I’ll let you know how it works out. Later.”

Ending the call, James glanced back at the Saunders house and narrowed his eyes.

“Maybe these games have gone on long enough …” he murmured to himself, “Maybe it’s time we got serious …”

*

Meanwhile, in the Saunders’ kitchen, Charlie and her mother stared at each other across the table; the tension in the room becoming unbearable as Carla struggled to find the words to answer her daughter. Finally, Charlie backed down in defeat; lowering her hurt gaze and turning away, meaning to storm from the room.

“Fine!” she choked out, “I guess that tells me everything I wanted to know …”

“Charlie, wait!” Carla pleaded, “We need to talk about this properly!”

“Oh, so now we’re gonna talk, are we? Try playing happy families as usual? Please, mum, don’t treat me like an idiot – we haven’t talked properly in years! Why should that change now? All this keeping secrets - thinking I don't know there's something going on! We’ve all had to tiptoe round and not ask awkward questions – well, I’m sick of it! You want to talk? Okay – why is James still in charge of the club? Why did dad leave? Where did you really go and how come you’re back so soon? Come on then, mum, you’re the one who said we should talk!”

Feeling guilty enough already about James's involvement in their family, Carla was lost for words and Charlie just shook her head, seizing the opportunity to throw open the door and run along the hall to the front door.

“Charlie!” Carla cried, “Darling, please, lets just calm down …”

“No! You’re all ready to have a go about me and Mickey, but you won’t be honest with me so what do you expect?”

Desperate to buy herself some time, Carla placed herself between her daughter and the front door and forced a determined look on her face.

“I am still your mother, Charlene, and I didn’t bring you up to speak to me like this. Now, we are going to calm down and then we are going to talk like reasonable adults …”

“So you want me to act like an adult, but you don’t want to treat me like one? Nice one, mum.” Charlie said sarcastically.

“You are my daughter! There is nothing going on that you need to know about and your father did not leave because of you – sometimes relationships don’t work out and if you don’t know that then maybe I’m right about you being too young to get involved in a serious relationship.”

“That’s right – twist this back to me again. Oh, what’s the point? I’m going out.”

“You are not - we’re not finished!”

“You can’t keep me here!” Charlie protested, pushing past her mother and opening the door.

Realising that she couldn’t force her daughter to stay and that it might be better if they both had some space to clear their heads, Carla let her go. She watched with tears in her eyes as her youngest daughter raced down the steps and she allowed the door to close, sinking down behind it. Tilting her head back with a sigh, she couldn’t help feeling like she was losing her daughter – and, if she wasn’t careful, maybe for good.


*

Mickey stood in the Square, looking back at the house with a look that was half anxious, half hopeful, wishing his girlfriend would come and tell him it was all straightened out now. However, optimistic as he might try to be, he had a feeling things wouldn’t be that simple.

“Mickey? Mickey, there ya are!”

He turned at the sound of the voice and saw Kelly pushing her money belt at the nearest stall holder before leaving her stall to jog across to him.

“Shouldn’t ‘ave done that …” she sighed, pressing a hand to her head. “Not after the amount I ‘ad to drink last night …”

“Feelin’ a bit under the weather, Kel?” Mickey asked with a sympathetic smile.

“Just what ya’d notice! Anyways …” she said, a teasing smile coming over her face, “Where’d ya get to last night? We couldn’t find ya anywhere … Or Charlie … Funny that – the two of ya just disappearin’ … Together …”

“Yeah, what a coincidence.” he said, shrugging innocently.

“So …” pressed Kelly.

“So … what?”

“Good night, was it?”

“Yeah, it was actually.”

“So ‘ow come ya don’t look quite as ‘appy as ya should? An’ why ain’t Charlie with ya?”

“She’s … uh … she’s just … Charlie!” he broke off suddenly as he spotted Charlie making her way down the steps from her front door. His heart sank as he could only focus on the fact that she had obviously been crying and he held out his arms to her, wrapping her in a tight hug as soon as she reached him. “Ahh, darlin’,” he sighed, “She took it that bad, huh?”

Charlie just nodded slowly, not really trusting herself to speak in case she burst into tears again.

“Uhh … what did I miss?” asked Kelly in confusion, surprised to see the usually bubbly brunette so upset, especially when things seemed to be going so well with her and Mickey.

"I … I had a bit of a row with my mum. Well, not so much a bit as a lot - she doesn't want me to see Mickey anymore ..." said Charlie softly.

“But why not? Yer great together – we can all see that!” exclaimed Kelly.

“It’s not about Mickey really.” Charlie said, “She just doesn’t want me to have a life at all – she wants to treat me like a kid forever. She wouldn’t be happy, no matter who I was with …”

Mickey took a deep breath and looked away from her sadly, feeling certain that he knew what was coming and trying to prepare himself for it. Carla was her mother after all …

"Mickey ...?" said Charlie hesitantly, not understanding the look on his face.

"It's okay, I ... understand." he said, with a half-hearted little smile. "She is yer mum ..."

Realising what he was thinking, Charlie shook her head. "You think I'm breaking up with you! How could I?” she said fervently, reaching up to cup his face in her hands and looking him straight in the eye. “Micks, I want to be with you – this doesn’t change anything.”

Relieved to hear her say that, he still couldn’t help feeling at least partly responsible for the tears on her cheeks and he leaned down to kiss her gently.

"I'm so sorry, babe - this is my fault ..."

"No, it's not! SHE didn't have to overreact!"

"Ya are 'er little girl." said Mickey, thinking sensibly for once, "She just wants to protect ya."

"She could try being happy for me ..."

"Well, it wasn't the best way for 'er to find out ..." he shrugged, "Maybe when she's calmed down ..."

"This isn’t just about us, you know." sighed Charlie. “It’s been brewing for a while and it just all came spilling out – about the club, James … my dad …”

“Yer dad?” said Mickey, “Did yer mum tell ya what ‘appened with ‘im?”

“Nah, I didn’t get any answers – just a blazing row!”

“Listen, I’m gonna ‘ave to get back to the stall, but if ya need a chat later or ya just wanna get outta there for a bit, ya know yer always welcome round the flat.” said Kelly, giving her a little hug and then swatting Mickey’s arm. “Ya better do a good job cheerin’ ‘er up or I’m gonna want to know about it!” she grinned before heading off and leaving the couple alone.

“We never did get breakfast …” said Mickey, taking Charlie’s hand in his. “Come on – lets go down the café. My treat …”

“Sorry this kinda put a damper on things …” she said.

“Don’t be silly – it ain’t yer fault. And we ‘ad a good night last night, didn’t we?”

“Yeah, we did – just wish this morning had gone a bit better … God, mum would have to appear like that – what a nightmare! And then she had to keep going on at me …”

"I’m kinda glad now she made me leave after all!” he said, unable to keep from grinning, “Guess I got off light!”

“You owe me breakfast then!” retorted Charlie. “And what was that about understanding? Were you just going to give up on me?”

Mickey’s eyes widened in alarm and he shook his head emphatically, anxious that she didn’t think badly of him. “Course not, darlin’! I just … Ya wanna know the truth? I just didn’t expect to end up with someone like ya an’ I kinda thought … well, maybe if things got tough, ya wouldn’t bother stickin’ round …”

Watching him with a little touched smile on her face, Charlie shook her head. “You can’t half be a daft sod at times!” she grinned, “Sorry to disappoint but you’re stuck with me, Mickey Miller!”

“Ya ‘ave no idea ‘ow glad I am to ‘ear that!” he just smiled, letting go of her hand to wrap his arm around her waist instead, keeping her close to him as they headed for the café. Unwittingly, as they chatted lightly in an attempt to take Charlie’s mind off her row with her mother, they passed close by the manager of Platform 10 who waited for them to go inside before heading in the opposite direction, towards the Saunders house.

*

to be continued...

[Rach33]

Wow another great part and another great Sig amazing story I love reading it please post more

[melonb]

Great again!! keep going! charlie n mickey r sooooooooo cute!! evil james!!

lol

[di marco]

brill! :D just caught up. really want to know whats happening with james and their dad and their mum! :) cant wait for the next part, hope its soon

[Torrie]

Thanks, everyone! :thumbsup:

41.
Sitting at the kitchen table with her head in her hands, Carla knew she had made a mistake. She was so eager to keep her girls close that she had failed to realise how fast they had grown up – Charlie wasn’t a child anymore, no matter how much her mother wanted her to just still be her little girl. Everything had gone so wrong since … But she shook that thought away – there was no point in dwelling on the past. But there was no denying that her daughters were the only thing she really had left to hold onto – the club was slipping away from her and now it seemed that her family was following …

At the sound of a knock on the door, her head jerked up and she hurried to answer it – the logic that Charlie would have her own keys completely escaping her in the heat of the moment. She swore to herself that if it was Charlie, she would really make the effort to put things right. She would explain to her daughter … but not everything – there were still some things that were better left unsaid; lies that had gone on too long to be corrected now …

“Charlie?” she said hopefully as she threw the door open, only for her face to fall as she found herself face-to-face with the manager of her club. “James.” she said flatly, “What do you want?”

“Now, now, Carla – careful or you’ll have me thinking you don’t like me.” James smiled, already pushing past her uninvited. “Expecting someone else, were you? I hate to disappoint, but if you’re looking for that daughter of yours – don’t.”

“Look, if you’re here for a reason, can we just get on with it?” Carla said, determined not to let him interfere for once.

“We do have some business to discuss, but can’t I show some friendly concern? I gathered you and Charlie had a little disagreement and I can guess what about … Nicely handled.”

“What’s that’s supposed to mean?”

“Don’t get so touchy!” James scolded lightly, “I know how you like to look out for your family and you don’t want Charlie getting hurt – but you might have known who’s arms you’d end up practically throwing her into. I’m just saying, you could have handled things better – maybe if her father was around …”

Carla bristled at the blatant dig, but didn’t rise to it. “What business do we have to discuss?” she said stiffly.

“Okay, you don’t want to talk about it – understandable.” James said, but there was a hint of triumph at having got to her in his voice. “Right, business – you might want to sit down …”

Reluctantly, Carla led the way back into the kitchen and sat down at the table while James took a seat opposite her.

“The club.” he said, now more than willing to get straight to the point. “Basically, our little arrangement is of little use to me now and I want out of it. Let’s just say I’ve had a better offer.”

Carla looked at him in unguarded surprise, a hint of suspicion in her eyes as she listened to the one thing she had longed for him to say – she never thought she would actually hear that.

“That’s … that’s fine …” she managed, trying to hide her eagerness to be rid of him.

“Let me make myself a little clearer – the better offer is all very well in the long term but, in order to take it up, I need collateral. And fast. I don’t want to manage Platform 10 – I want to own it. All of it. And then I want to sell it.”
*

Over at the café, Mickey was doing his best to keep the conversation flowing between tucking into a fry-up, but Charlie just didn’t seem herself as she half-heartedly picked at a slice of toast.

“This ain’t just about yer mum bein’ a bit annoyed about us, is it?” Mickey finally asked, putting down his knife and fork and shooting his girlfriend a concerned look across the table.

“Not really.” came the hesitant response, accompanied by a sigh as she leaned forward, propping her head up with one hand as she leaned her elbow on the table. “You know how I said that I didn’t know why my dad left?”

“Yeah …” he said cautiously, not sure where this was going.

“I think … I think he left because of … me.” she said so quietly he almost didn’t hear her.

“Ayy, I’m sure that ain’t true …” Mickey tried to cut her off, but she shook her head quickly and continued.

“No, I think it is – I asked my mum and she didn’t deny it. Because she couldn’t. And I’m starting to think maybe she doesn’t really blame him …”

“Charlie, yer upset – yer just not thinkin’ straight …” Mickey told her gently, reaching for her hand across the table. “Ya gotta admit, ya didn’t exactly give yer mum time to adjust and ya probably both said some things ya didn’t mean.”

For a moment, Charlie just looked at him over the table as if she wasn’t going to listen, but all at once, her shoulders slumped and she managed a little laugh. “When did you go getting so sensible on me?” she asked, “I hope you’re not always gonna be right!”

“Don’t think there’s any danger of that!” he grinned, squeezing her hand. “D’ya wanna maybe go try talkin’ to yer mum again, now that you’ve both ‘ad a bit of time to cool off?”

“Nooo …” she said reluctantly, with a childish pout. “Do I have to? I know I should, but …”

“The longer ya leave it …”

“Now you really are getting annoying!” she exclaimed, but her smile showed she was only joking and she stood up to give him a quick kiss. “It would be better to have this all straightened out – I hate rows! I’ll give you a ring later – let you know how it goes.”

“Good idea – I’m gonna go home and get changed, I’m startin’ to feel a bit over-dressed for the café …” he said, looking down at his suit.

“Pity - it suits ya.” Charlie winked, before heading for the door. “Talk to ya later!”

*

Meanwhile, back at the Saunders residence, Carla didn’t know whether to be angry or to laugh in James’s face. Just when she thought he had shown her the worst of his character, he sank just that little bit further. He really had a nerve …

“Well, are you just going to stare at me all day?” James said, drumming his fingertips impatiently on the kitchen table.

“Is this supposed to be some kind of joke?” Carla finally asked, for lack of anything better to say.

“Do you see me laughing? Now, I don’t know about you but I want to get this out of the way with as little hassle as possible …”

“Oh, I’m sure you do!” Carla exclaimed, “And I think you should leave now!”

“Carla …”

“James, you must be out of your mind if you think I’ve come this far to just give in and hand MY club to you on a plate!”

However, to her surprise, he didn’t try to argue with her. Instead, he simply sat back in his chair and fixed her with a cool, level gaze, folding his arms and seeming to make himself comfortable.

“What are you doing?”

“It’s not so much what I’m doing as what I’m not doing, Carla, and that’s insulting your intelligence. I know you’ll figure this one out on your own, I’m just waiting for it to sink in.” he said casually, “Take as long as you need …”

Struggling against the urge to start screaming like a banshee and telling him where to go, Carla took a long deep breath and fought to stay calm.

“James,” she began with forced politeness, “I don’t know what you expect me to say, but I’m keeping my club and as far as I’m concerned that’s the subject closed. Now, if there’s nothing else …”

“Oh, but there is.” he said, leaning forward in his seat with an air of conspiracy. “You see, you keep saying that it’s your club, but we both know that’s really only a technicality. Without me, you’d have nothing, so I’m really only reclaiming what’s rightfully mine.”

“That wasn’t our deal, James.” she said quickly, suddenly realising just what was going on.

“Guess what?” he said with a seemingly friendly smile, “Deal’s off!”

*

to be continued...

[di marco]

great again! :D love reading it! really want to know what this deal going on is! and i really hate james! :) hope the next parts soon, cant wait

[Rach33]

EXCELLENT post more soooooooon please

[Torrie]

Thanks for reading, dimarco & JoelBeckettLover! :)

42.
Charlie paused on the front door step with her key in the lock, dreading another confrontation with her mother – she knew herself that she had allowed things to get blown out of proportion, but she never found it easy to back down, even when she knew she was in the wrong. Especially then. However, she hated rows more and wanted to get this over with so she took a deep breath and opened the door.

Immediately, she was confronted by the sound of raised voices – a surprise to her as she expected to find only her mother at home – yet the bigger surprise came as she recognised the second of the two voices. Instantly suspicious of what was going on, her first instinct was to rush into the kitchen but, realising that no one else was aware that she was there, she held back. She made sure to close the door carefully so it wouldn’t slam and alert anyone to her presence – she would probably find out more by staying where she was than by going to ask questions. If she did that, she would only be fobbed off as usual.

“That club is mine, James!” she heard her mother cry out, frustration clear in her voice.

“And who is that down to? Me!” James argued back loudly, “I bailed you out when you needed it, remember? You think that was what? Out of the kindness of my heart?”

“I never thought …”

“Oh, come off it – you knew exactly what you were getting into! And now I’m warning you, Carla – back off before you get any further out of your depth. You might think you can call my bluff, but I’m not bluffing – I’m serious. Deadly serious!”

“You can’t do this!” And Charlie was alarmed to hear panicky tears in her mother’s voice, “That club is our livelihood – what are we supposed to do? How would I explain …”

“Not my problem.” James snapped, evidently losing patience and his voice rising with his temper. “You want someone to explain how you screwed up to those precious daughters of yours? Well, after all, you’re not really the one they should blame, are you? We all know who started this, Carla, so why don’t you just get that murdering father of theirs to clue them in!”

Listening in the hallway, at the foot of the stairs, Charlie reeled back against the wall as if she’d been slapped. Stunned beyond measure by what she had just overheard, she suddenly felt as if she couldn’t breathe and clutching at the banister, sank down on the stairs. She felt as if everything was spinning and closed her eyes weakly, shaking her head in disbelief as the rest of the argument disappeared into a jumble of shouted words. There was only one thing the girl could focus on – the words echoing round and round in her head …

“… get that murdering father of theirs to clue them in …”

“… that murdering father of theirs …”

“… murdering father …”

No.

It couldn’t be true.

It had to be a lie.

It was one of his tricks, a spiteful lie aimed at hurting her mother, something said in the heat of the moment, a horrible lie, a mistake …

It couldn’t be true, it just couldn’t. So it had to be a lie. It had to be …

*

“So you got your little Ball then, Sharon?” came a voice sounding full of good intentions and neighbourly concern – a tone that didn’t quite ring true, given the smug look which accompanied it. “Still, I suppose you’ll have wanted to go out in style – it’s not like you can hijack Platform 10 every night of the week.”

For a moment, Sharon considered continuing walking and just ignoring her rival but, after a pause, she squared her shoulders and rounded on Sam with a forced smile.

“Oh, don’t you worry, Sam – it’ll take more than anything you can pull off to get rid of the Watts.” said Sharon, cutting her off as she tried to protest at any implication of her involvement. “Save it for the police – we know who was responsible for that fire and sooner or later, everyone else will too.”

“I really have no idea what you’re on about – I was nowhere near the club when …”

“You didn’t have to actually start the fire to be involved, did you? So who was it? Minty maybe? Billy?”

“I don’t …”

“You should be thankful you’re not looking at a murder charge instead of just arson and criminal damage – two girls could have died in there! I don’t know how you sleep at night …”

“Look, Sharon,” Sam argued, beginning to sound a little thrown by this confrontation. “You can’t pin this on me, no matter how much you want to and you should be careful before you start throwing accusations around in the middle of the street.”

“What’s that – another threat? Not doing yourself any favours, Sam. But then you never were the brightest spark, were you? Well, now I’m warning you – you back off or you’re gonna have a fight on your hands. We’re not going anywhere and we won’t forget that you put Vicki’s life in danger. Carry on like this and you won’t find you’re too welcome round here – you might be a Mitchell, but you’re not invincible.”

“I am not in the wrong here, Sharon!” Sam insisted, trying to laugh it off.

“Tell it to Vicki and Charlie!” Sharon said, her voice low and harsh, before spinning on her heel and storming off leaving Sam staring after her awkwardly.

*

She didn’t know how she’d even made it up the stairs when she was feeling so shaky, but somehow Charlie had crept upstairs to her room and closed the door, wishing it was that easy to shut everything out. She had stayed out of sight until the heated row between her mother and James had burned itself out and James had stormed out of the house, leaving Carla to try to pull herself together. Hearing her mother cry made Charlie want to run back downstairs to her, but something held her back. She couldn’t believe what James had been saying, but it was evident that there was something going on – if she was honest with herself, she had always known that and had just let it go in order to avoid rocking the boat. Now though … whether she believed them or not, she couldn’t get those words out of her head.

So she stayed in her room, listening to her mother downstairs until she finally heard the front door slam and realised she had gone out. But she still sat on her bed, simply staring at the wall as she tried to figure it all out in her head to no avail. She was so lost in thought that, when her phone beeped to alert her to a new text message, she actually jumped before she caught on what the noise was.

Charlie lifted her phone and, still in a state of distraction, pressed the select button to view it.

How did it go w/ ur mum? Hope its all ok – how bout a drink in the Vic 2nite? Luv Mickey xo

Okay? Things were about as far from okay as they could be … Turning her attention back to replaying what she had heard in her mind, her phone just slipped from her hand to lie discarded on the bed, the message unanswered.

*

to be continued ...

[di marco]

brill! :D wonder what her dad did exactly! :) hope the next parts soon, cant wait

[Rach33]

oh sounds very mysterious Please post more soon I can't wait to find out

[Layne]

Yeh, post more soon, this is great stuff!!!
Luv ya
Layne
x x x
Ps LOVE your Banna, i like the picky's of Chrissie and |Dennis!
xxx

[Torrie]

Thanks, everyone! :)

43.
“Sam! Sam, wait up!”

“Whatever it is, Minty, it’ll have to wait.” the blonde called over her shoulder without even slowing. “I’m a bit busy right now.”

“It’ll only take a second …” he assured her as he struggled to catch up, looking a little out of breath as she finally stopped in her tracks and turned to see what he wanted.

“This better be important – I’m snowed under at the minute, helping Andy with …”

“Andy …” said Minty, managing to look both disgusted and disappointed in the brief second before he hid the look that crossed his face. “Well, anyway, maybe I could help?”

“You’d be helping if you weren’t keeping me back, Minty.” Sam pointed out, “Now, what did you want to see me about?”

“That’s it really – me helpin’ out. I was just sort of wonderin’ if you had any jobs needing doing? Anything at all?”

“I thought you were supposed to be keeping an eye on Billy? Making sure he doesn’t do anything silly like talking about things he shouldn’t?”

“Yeah, but …”

“But?” she interrupted impatiently.

“There must be something else I could do – I mean Billy ain’t stupid, he won’t say nothin’ and land himself right in it and I’m startin’ to feel like a right spare part ‘ere …”

“Oh, Minty, you’re not – where would I have been without you over this mess with the snooker hall, eh? Look, I’ll …”

“Sam! Sam, ya got a minute?”

“Not really, Garry …” she sighed, but he had already jogged across the street with a determined look on his face that suggested he was not going to settle for being fobbed off.

“I really need a word – it’s about the Arches …”

“Well, make it quick – I really ain’t got time for this!”

“And ya think I have? We’re backed up over there! When are ya plannin’ on sortin’ things out ‘cos I’m tellin’ ya, Phil would not be happy …”

“Well, he ain’t here, is he?” Sam snapped, bristling at the mention of her brother and the implied criticism of her way of doing things as compared to his.

“No, he ain’t and that’s my point exactly – when it was him in charge, he worked there too and there was me and Ricky as well and we were still kept busy. Now Phil ain’t here, Ricky’s took off and it’s down to me to keep things goin’ …”

“I thought you’d got Mickey there now?”

“Well, yeah, but … Mickey – he makes a decent cuppa and he’s good cabaret but, as a mechanic, he’s really only a trainee. Now, I ain’t suggestin’ ya take the hands-on approach like Phil – I get the impression your clobber and engine oil would not be a winning combination but, Sam, ya need to sort us out with some proper cover until that brother of yours gets back – if he gets back. We’re gonna have customers complainin’ if we keep goin’ at this rate …”

“Are you telling me you can’t do your job, Garry?”

“Nah, nah, it ain’t like that!” he backtracked hastily, not liking the prospect of losing his job – an even worse situation, if possible, than being overworked. “But ya can’t expect me to run a top-notch garage practically on me lonesome – it just ain’t possible! I’m workin’ all the hours God sends as it is and gettin’ a right earbashin’ off Lynne for me trouble, I can tell ya!”

“Fine!” said Sam, an idea suddenly hitting her. “Minty, get yourself down the Arches – you’re in charge now.”

“You what?!” Minty and Garry chorused together.

“Garry, you asked for help – I’m giving you some. Minty, you asked for a job – you’ve got one. Everyone’s happy. Now, if you’ll excuse me …” And convinced that she had handled that rather well, Sam straightened her shoulders and marched off without giving either of them the chance to query her decision, leaving the two men exchanging uncertain looks.

“Well, I ain’t takin’ a paycut.” Garry stated flatly, miffed at his unexpected demotion.

*

Although looking out of her bedroom window at the view across the Square and registering somewhere at the back of her mind the fact that Minty and Garry did not seem best pleased with Sam Mitchell for some reason, the thought was instantly pushed out of Charlie’s mind – she had more important things to think about and they were currently churning round and round in her head, distracting her and causing a dull ache just above her eyes. She just couldn’t seem to relax or to focus, or even to stay still. One minute she was gazing blankly out of the window and the next, she was back to pacing the floor. And the quiet that had fallen over the house wasn’t helping – she could faintly hear the bustle of the market place coming from outside, but the house itself seemed filled by an overwhelming silence.

Determined to pull herself together, she sat down on her bed and reached for the remote control of her stereo, switching it on and almost visibly calming down as music from some oldies radio station instantly blared out. Just having something else to focus on was such a relief. Adjusting the volume, she got up again to reach under her bed for the shoeboxes which held most of the bits and pieces she had yet to find a proper place for – her cd collection being one of them – and was idly rummaging through them when she came across something that made her stop suddenly.

The old, slightly worn looking, photo album had almost been left behind on one of the many occasions they had moved but Charlie had found and rescued it from the attic when she had been looking for extra boxes to pack some of her stuff in. She had never seen it until that moment and had sat down there and then to flick through it curiously, mesmerised by photos of her mother, looking younger than Charlie herself, with a long-haired young man who could only be a younger version of her father. It had been a surprising find for her as she had been under the impression that no photos of her father remained in their house – there were certainly none on display and it was as if he had been simply erased from memory, leaving no evidence he had ever existed. Except, she supposed, her own existence and that of her sister.

Now, though not surprising exactly, it was a find which she could have done without – one which immediately brought to the fore the very thoughts she had been trying to escape. Knowing she would be better off shoving it straight back under the bed, her fingers grazed lightly over the leather cover before, against her better judgement, hesitantly opening it and turning the pages.

Page after page of now familiar images. Images which took on a new resonance now as she was confronted by that face, that face with green eyes so like her own, while the words of James Harrison echoed in her head. Staring back into those eyes and wondering if what she had heard could possibly be true and then instantly hating herself for even letting that thought cross her mind. Then wondering why she should even care. It wasn’t like he cared about her. But that had always been her problem – being torn between hating the man who had abandoned his family, abandoned her, and missing the man who had still been her father.

The pictures blurred in front of her as tears welled up against her will and she fought to choke them back, not quite bringing herself to just close the book but pushing it to one side and biting her lip. As her phone went off again, not a message this time but an incoming call, she made no move to answer it. She couldn’t trust herself not to burst into tears if she tried to speak and this wasn’t something she felt like sharing with anyone, not even Mickey as she glanced at the screen and saw that he was the caller – no doubt wondering why she hadn’t send him a text back yet . She wasn’t usually so slow at replying …

Finally, he gave up. The phone stopped ringing and Charlie slowly reached to turn it off. She just couldn’t face dealing with anyone or anything right now and shutting it all out seemed the easiest option. Not that anything seemed particularly easy and, all at once, it all became too much for her. She snatched the photo album up and threw it, not caring where it landed, before collapsing onto her bed, her face buried in her pillow and the tears which she had tried so hard to hold back finally allowed free reign.

*

to be continued...

[Rach33]

This is brill well worth the wait post some more as soon as you can

[di marco]

brill! :D feel so sorry for charlie! :) hope theres more soon, cant wait

[Layne]

this is great stuff torrie!! i love it, can ya post some more please!
Luv ya
Layne
x x x


Ps, Again Love your banna, where did ya get the pics from??????

[Torrie]

Sorry it's taken so long for me to update! And thanks, Layne - the pics are a mix of magazine scans and screencaps. :)

44.
“Mum, how long is this going to go on for?”

“What’s that, Dani, love?” Carla said vaguely as she hurried around the kitchen, making a pot of tea while she waited for the toast to brown.

“You heard me.” her eldest daughter said firmly, “And you needn’t bother trying to tell me it’s nothing – I don’t think Charlie’s spoken two words since I got back; it’s probably the longest she’s ever been quiet!”

“Shouldn’t you be asking her? How many pieces of toast – one or two?”

“One’s fine. And I would ask her if I thought I’d get a straight answer – or any answer at all! Come on, mum, I know something’s the matter – everything was fine one minute, then I spend one night with friends, come back and the place has been declared a war zone!”

“Not that you would exaggerate or anything …” Carla interrupted wryly.

“True – we’re not even getting the pleasure of a full-blown row but it would probably be better for everyone if we were. At least we’d get it all over and done with. This is daft! Can’t you two just talk?”

“I don’t know what you mean …”

“Right …” said Dani wearily, “Course you don’t. So this is how it’s gonna be now, is it? All picture and no sound, with me stuck in the middle?”

“Look, you know how your sister can be – stubborn doesn’t even come close! I’ve tried but …” Carla cut off quickly as the kitchen door opened and Charlie came in, already dressed even though it was earlier than she usually got up and she didn’t have to work until late. “Charlie …” her mother said hesitantly, while Dani shot her a pointed look, making it obvious she thought Carla should try to make her peace with her younger daughter. “Want some toast, love?”

“No.” came the short answer, though it seemed clear that the girl had come down for breakfast under the mistaken belief she would have the kitchen to herself.

“You should eat something … You barely touched your dinner last night …”

“I’m going out.”

“At this time?”

“No law against it, is there?” But the haunted look in her eyes belied the defiant tone - a fact that was lost on Carla as she turned away abruptly, hiding tears under the pretence of reaching for her mug of tea.

Watching as her sister turned on her heel and headed for the front door, Dani suddenly got up from her chair and dashed after her, catching up to her in the hallway and grabbing her arm, forcing the protesting girl to turn to face her.

“What is wrong with you?!” she hissed, not wanting their mother to overhear. “What was all that about?”

“Dunno what you’re on about …”

“Don’t play dumb, Charlie, it don’t suit you – you’ve been a right moody cow ever since I got back and you’re really upsetting mum!”

“I’m upsetting her?”

“If this is about her not being too thrilled about finding Mickey here, you’re being ridiculous – you’re her youngest daughter, how did you expect her to react? I dunno what’s gotten into you, but you better snap out of it sharpish …”

“Oh get off your high horse, Dani!” Charlie snapped, “You’re my sister, not my keeper!”

Startled by the near venomous retort from her usually laidback sister, Dani was lost for words but she could tell that something wasn’t right – Charlie wasn’t the type of person to throw a strop for no reason.

“Look, if something else is bothering you … You know you can tell me, don’t you?”

“Like you’d listen. Just go run your precious club, Dani, and leave me alone.”

“Oh, I give up!” Dani exclaimed, exasperated. “But you better seriously change your attitude and grow up before too long …”

“And since when do I take orders from you?”

“Since you work for me, if nothing else! I’m warning you, Charlie – whatever’s got you acting like this, it’s bad enough at home but you leave it at the door when you come to the club …”

“Or what? You’ll fire me?”

“I know this isn’t you talking so I’m cutting you some slack, but don’t push your luck.” Dani said coolly, turning away and heading back to the kitchen, not even looking back as she offered her dismissal. “Go out if you’re going – I’ve had enough of this.”

Stung by the coldness of her sister’s tone and also feeling guilty about how she had acted, Charlie leaned against the front door for a second, unsure of what to do or say and itching to run back to the kitchen to apologise and take it all back. Yet, the taunting words which had plagued her all night resurfaced and she steeled herself against any inclination to back down – she was not the one in the wrong here. She had known there was something going on and she had tried to talk to Dani about it, but she wouldn’t listen – maybe she didn’t know anything. Or maybe she was just avoiding telling her. Her father had, for whatever reason, walked out on them without explanation and her mother had chosen to shut her out, refusing to talk about it and obviously feeding her lies instead of answers. No, she wasn’t the one in the wrong.

The brunette grabbed her coat from the peg on the wall and threw open the front door, pulling the coat on as she hurried down the steps and turning the collar up against the chill breeze. She couldn’t face staying in that house even a minute longer …

*

“Garry, that bird’s coming back in twenty minutes and she’ll want to hear that her engine’s been sorted, innit? Not the ins-and-outs of your marital problems, so get off yer backside and give us a hand!”

“Ya know, I never thought I’d see the day when a bloke turns his back on a mate in need in favour of a poxy job!” Garry exclaimed dramatically, “You ain’t been boss five minutes and yer already lording it over us poor sods – if you ain’t careful, Minty, you’ll end up as nothing but a corporate … whatsit. A suit, pushing a pen instead of getting yer hands dirty with some good honest graft … It’s a sad day for male solidarity, is this – back me up ‘ere, Micks.”

“Yer a good ‘un to talk about graft, ain’t ya?” Minty said with a laugh, “Never mind him harping on, Mickey – pass us that wrench … Mickey? Mickey? Am I talking to meself ‘ere?”

Sliding the trolley he was lying on out from beneath the car he was working on, Minty sat up and looked around, shaking his head when he saw Garry sitting on a chair with his feet up on the desk while Mickey was leaning against a stack of tyres with a vacant expression on his face.

“Not you an’ all!” the new boss of the Arches groaned, “Look, I’m meant to be a mechanic, not a flamin’ agony aunt for you pair! Sam ain’t gonna like it if she finds out we ain’t up to speed …”

“Sam won’t like it … Sam expects more … Sam, Sam, Sam!” Garry said, mimicking Minty but in a high pitched whinging tone. “Turning her hairdryer on is about as close as Sam Mitchell gets to anything mechanical – lighten up, Mints!”

“I’m just sayin’ …” he said sulkily, “Fine, if we ain’t gonna get any work done, we might as well take our break now – go get the teas in, Micks, or is that too much for ya to handle?”

“And no taking a detour round by the Saunders place either.” Garry warned, “Take my advice, son, yer too young to look that miserable - ya got plenty of time for that when yer married! Ya should be livin’ it up – out with the lads, different bird every week …”

But their young apprentice just heaved a sigh and trudged off to the café, leaving his co-workers shaking their heads.

*
to be continued ...

[Rain_]

bout time too !!! now double post cause you kept us waiting :D

[Torrie]

Well, you're in luck - I've actually got a little bit more because it was too long to fit in one post, lol! By the way, love your little picture in your sig - it makes me giggle every time I see it! :rotfl:

Continued from the last part -

*
Sitting at a table in the café, Charlie stared down at her mug of now barely lukewarm coffee without drinking it, her head propped up on one hand while she played distractedly with her spoon with the other. She’d skipped breakfast completely after all and spent most of the morning wandering down by the canal, only returning to the Square when the cold became too much for her – not that her neglected drink would be much help to her …

“Penny for ‘em?” came a light-hearted comment, startling the girl and almost making her knock her mug over. “Sorry, you must have been miles away then!”

She looked up to see an unfamiliar woman standing in front of her, coffee pot in one hand and a warm smile on her face.

“You look like you’ve got a lot on your mind – your coffee’s getting cold. It’s not that bad, is it? Though, mind you, it is my first day … I’m Jane.”

“I’m Charlie. And the coffee’s fine … or at least I’m sure it was …”

“Maybe an hour ago! Thought you might like a fresh cup – just don’t tell the boss. I get the impression he’s a bit of a stickler for the rules.” Jane added with a smile and a conspiratorial air. “Sure I can’t tempt you with anything else – doughnut? Chocolate muffin? You look like you could do with cheering up …”

“The coffee’s fine, thanks …”

“Charlie?” a voice interrupted, this time bringing a sudden guilty look to her face as she remembered the unanswered text and phone call she had received the night before.

“Think I’ll leave you to it.” Jane said discreetly, “Give me a shout if you change your mind about wanting anything else.”

“Thanks.” Charlie replied before turning her attention to her boyfriend as he leaned across the table to kiss her and than sat down opposite her. “Hi, how’s work?”

“Oh, ya know – could be worse. How’s things with you? I tried your phone last night, but …”

“Yeah, I know – sorry I didn’t get back to you, but I had to have an early night … Bad headache – thought my head was gonna split!” she covered quickly, hating that she was lying to him, especially when she saw the look of concern on his face.

“Poor darlin’!” he sympathised, taking her hands. “But you’re all better now, yeah?”

“Yeah, course – I’m fine.”

“Good – I just kinda got the idea that maybe things weren’t … alright - with us …”

“What makes you say that? Why wouldn’t they be?” Charlie asked, a little touchily.

“I dunno … I know it’s daft now, but it just seemed like I hadn’t seen much of ya since … since Valentine’s night …”

“Oh, so that’s it – here I am thinking you’re concerned and you’re just wondering when you’re gonna get your leg over!”

“It ain’t like that!” Mickey tried to protest, his eyes widening at that retort which seemed to come completely out of the blue, but she was already covering her face with her hands and shaking her head in disbelief.

“I shouldn’t have said that – I’m really sorry, Mickey. I didn’t sleep too well and I guess I’m not quite fine yet after all …” she said, a shamed look on her face when she met his gaze again. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay …” he said unsurely, seeing that she wasn’t herself. “Ya know, if ya wanna talk …”

But she tried to brush it aside, fixing a smile on her face and taking his hand again. “It’s nothing, honestly – and I promise I’ll make it up to you for being such a stroppy cow! How about tonight? We could go out – somewhere different, not Platform 10 or …” But her face fell as a thought struck her, “Crap! I’m meant to be working … Well, tomorrow then …”

“I’m tied up tomorrow – I meant to tell you last night but I didn’t get the chance. We’re moving house …”

“Oh … You’re not going far, are you?” Charlie asked anxiously.

“Nah, you’re stuck with me!” he grinned, “Ya know how Number 27’s been empty for a while …”

“Oh, no way!” she exclaimed, brightening up with the first really genuine smile she had managed that day. “Mickey, that’s great – you’re gonna be just across the Square! Dunno how pleased you’re gonna be about that though, now you’ve found out what I can be like …”

“Don’t talk daft – anyone can have an off day, darlin’.” he smiled, glad that she seemed pleased. “I didn’t want to tell you till we were sure it was gonna go ahead, but everything’s sorted and the big move’s tomorrow. Be warned though – ya ain’t met my family yet!”

“Well, it can’t go any worse than you meeting mine!” she laughed, “Well, when you’re all settled, we’ll have plenty of chances to go out – now, you go get whatever it was you came in for and then I’ll walk with you over to the Arches. And Mickey? We’re fine, yeah?”

“Yeah.” He grinned, back to his cheery self now things seemed to have straightened themselves out. For now …

*

to be continued...

[di marco]

great! :D id been waiting to read that for soooooooooooo long! :) more very soon please, cant wait

[Layne]

This is Fab, we have been waiting a while but at least you;ve posted it now, more soon
Luv ya
Layne
xx xx xx

[melonb]

yay i love this fic!! :cheer:
i hope things get bak on track soon tho!! :thumbsup:
more mroe more plesase!! :bow:

[Rach33]

Torrie your back and as amazing as ever this is completely brill as usual post more soon

[Torrie]

Thanks for reading, everyone - sorry I've been so slow with updates, but I've had loads on!

41.
“Where’d ya go for them teas – China?” grumbled Minty, hearing Mickey’s voice just outside the garage.

“I think we should count ourselves lucky he remembered them at all!” Garry winked, nudging his co-worker and looking pointedly through the gap in the double doors.

“So I’ll maybe see ya tonight – if you’re working, maybe we’ll swing by the club …”

“That’d be good …” Charlie smiled in return, as her boyfriend balanced the order from the café in one hand and curled his free arm round her waist to pull her into a long kiss. “Don’t work too hard …”

“Chance ‘ud be a fine thing!” came the sarcastic remark from inside, louder than intended and drawing the young couple’s attention.

“I’d better go …” the brunette grinned, giving him one last peck on the lips “Wouldn’t want you getting in trouble with the boss!”

Waiting until she had walked away, Mickey then made his way into the Arches, whistling merrily and lining up the teas on the already cluttered desk.

“Ain’t ya got that problem fixed yet? Give us that wrench a minute …” he said with a newfound enthusiasm, “See, ya just … gotta have the right … knack …” he explained from beneath the hood of the car.

“Oh, yeah?” Minty said sceptically, exchanging a look with Garry.

“Yeah – ya just gotta know how to handle things …”

“Does that include Charlie then? I take it she’s what’s put you back in a good mood …”

“Oi, I don’t need to know how to handle Charlie – me and her, we understand each other.” said Mickey confidently.

“Are you gonna tell him or will I?” Minty asked Garry.

“You do it – I ain’t got the heart.”

“Mickey, mate,” Minty began solemnly, “You’re young, but you’ll learn …”

“Like the rest of us – the hard way!” Garry chipped in, shaking his head in resignation.

“What ya on about?”

“Women, Micks, women – there’s no understanding them, don’t kid yourself!” Minty informed him, only succeeding in making him laugh.

“Oh, come on! Garry, you’re married – you don’t reckon you understand Lynne?”

“Oh, I understand her all right – I understand that regardless of how daft the notions she gets are, or how unreasonable her demands are, or how irrational her arguments are, she will always be right. Always.” He explained, “Word of advice – when dealing with women, there are only a few key phrases you need but they really are key. Number one is ‘Yes, dear’; number two is ‘I was wrong and you’re right’ and, my personal favourite, number three – ‘I’m sorry’. Learn them, remember them and don’t be afraid to use them often – it’s called ‘instinct for survival’ …”

“Now you’re just trying to put me off – listen, I know I’m on to a good thing here. Cheers for the warning, but I ain’t got nothin’ to worry about. Ay, you know how they reckon you’ve either got it or ya haven’t? When it comes to women, maybe you two just ain’t got it, if you’ve had such a bad time – no offence … What d’ya think?”

“I think I preferred you when you were miserable.” Garry grouched over his cup of tea.

*

Feeling a little better now that she knew things were back on track with Mickey, giving her one less thing to worry about, Charlie turned the collar of her coat up against the chilly breeze, tucked her hands in her pockets and strolled through the market place towards home.

“Oi, Charlie!”

“Alright, Kel – how’s business?”

“Booming! If ya see Zoë on yer travels, tell ‘er to get ‘er backside round ‘ere sharpish!” Kelly called from her stall, while still serving some customers. “An’ ya can tell her ogling Dennis Rickman ain’t gonna get her anywhere neither – see if she listens to you anymore than she does me!”

“She’s not still going on about him? Didn’t think she was serious when she mentioned him before.” Charlie called back.

“Serious is not a word I’d use – she might fancy him, but it ain’t gonna go anywhere, is it? Speaking of going somewhere, saw you and Mickey heading over the Arches before – looking pretty cosy …” the little blonde teased.

“Want to shout that any louder, do ya? Think there’s a bloke in the gents down the Vic who didn’t hear!” Charlie laughed.

“So you two doing anythin’ tonight or you up for comin’ round the flat – getting a video, bottle of wine, girls night in? I’m on me lonesome since Zo’s determined to head round the Vic in the hope a certain someone will be there!”

“How come you’re not going too?”

“Don’t fancy it much, ‘specially with her too busy batting her eyelashes all night!”

“Her eyelashes? No wonder she ain’t got anywhere yet!” Charlie giggled, “It sounds great, Kel, but I’m working …”

“Oh, so you’ve remembered you have a job then?” came a sudden voice from behind her, making her spin round in surprise to find James Harrison regarding her with a stern look on his face.

“And what’s that supposed to mean?” Charlie demanded coldly, the conversation she had unwittingly overheard seeming to echo in her mind again.

“My instructions were for you to be down the club half an hour ago and yet here you are – organising your social life is obviously much more important to you!”

“You what? I don’t usually start so early and you never said …”

“Are you calling me a liar?”

She almost said yes, but bit her lip just in time and instead chose to avert her gaze in an attempt to defuse her anger. “Maybe you just forgot to tell me … Or you thought you already had …”

“Or maybe you take advantage of every chance to undermine me!” James snapped, before seeming to remind himself that they were in public and lowering his tone. In spite of that, however, there was no mistaking the implied threat in his demeanour as he stepped towards her. “It stops. NOW.”

“Charlie? Everything alright?” Kelly called suspiciously, too busy to be able to leave her stall, but concerned none the less by what she saw out of the corner of her eye.

“Fine, Kel, yeah.” Charlie called back, forcing herself to appear unconcerned before walking off, James following her determinedly.

As soon as they were in a less conspicuous area of the market, she rounded on him fiercely, not caring what the consequences might be.

“I dunno what you think you know or what stunt you’re pulling to get one over on my mum, but I know what you’re really like and it won’t work on me!” she raged, “You swan around, acting the big “I Am” but you’d be nowhere without my family! I may have to play along for now and do as you say at work, but I don’t respect you and you can’t control me all the time. Believe me, I’ll find out what’s really going on and when I do … Nothing you can do or say will make me keep quiet – nothing!”

For a second, she glared up at him, wanting to see the effect of her words, but he merely remained impassive and she turned on her heel in exasperation, storming off before she really did something she’d regret.

Except that it was too late for that.

Only when she was gone did he allow his anger to twist his features in a cruel smile.

“There’s a line – and you just crossed it …” he said in a low, calculating voice. “No going back.”

*

to be continued ...

[di marco]

brill as usual! :D oh dear i hope james isnt gonna do anything nasty to charlie! :) more very soon please, cant wait

[Rach33]

MORE soon this is brill as per I've missed it nasty James

[melonb]

ooooo evil james!!!! :mad: :angry:
more soon please!!!

[Torrie]

Thanks di marco, JBLover & melonb! Sorry this bit's kinda short!

42.

“Dani? Is that you?” Carla called, hearing the front door and emerging into the hall from the kitchen. “Oh … Charlie …”

Her youngest daughter simply stood there, too sick of fighting all the time to be prepared for another round, before shrugging off her coat and reaching to hang it up.

“Please, love, I think we should talk – we can’t go on like this. I know we’ve had our rows, but this silence …”

“I know.” came the soft, unexpected response.

“Oh … Oh, right … Well, how about I make a nice cuppa and we talk – properly. Like we should have from the start …”

“I don’t really have time for the tea – I’m meant to be getting to work apparently.” Charlie said with a slight hint of bitterness, though it wasn’t aimed at Carla.

“Maybe we should wait until later then. I don’t think this is something we should rush.” Her mother said, obviously walking on eggshells in fear of saying the wrong thing and ruining this tentative chance for reconciliation.

“We got enough time – if we just say what needs to be said.”

“Right. Okay, well, lets at least sit down.” Carla suggested, leading the way to the kitchen and waiting until they were seated across the table from each other before taking a deep breath and plunging in. “I know I reacted badly about Mickey and I probably overreacted, but I just can’t get used to you growing up …”

But her words were met with raised eyebrows and a questioning look. “Is that it?”

“What?” she asked in surprise.

“That’s what this is about – that’s what your idea of talking is?”

“Charlie, I’m trying to apologise here! And to say I won’t try to interfere in your … relationships …”

“I’m so glad we’ve got your blessing.” Charlie said wryly. “Mum, this is so not the issue – isn’t there something else we should be discussing?”

“I don’t follow …”

“I thought this was going to be the big getting things out in the open talk – you know, the one where you tell me what you’ve been hiding all this time, that there’s a damn good reason we still employ that arrogant git who seems to think he owns us, why you’ve felt the need to keep secrets …”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about Charlie, but you have to stop with these silly ideas of yours …” Carla said edgily.

“So nothing’s changed, you’re still doing it. I can’t believe I actually thought this time might be different. Right, fine – you keep up with your lies and your games, but don’t have the nerve to call me silly when I catch on! Just leave me well out of it – I’d rather not know!” Charlie shouted, jumping up and running from the room.

*

to be continued...

[Rach33]

Brilliant I love this script poor Charlie can't wait for the next part cos it's fabbie

[di marco]

great! :D poor charlie, her mum should really tell her whats going on! :) more soon please, cant wait

[Torrie]

43.

That night, Platform 10 was packed again – business was certainly booming so at least that was something. One less thing for Carla to worry about though she definitely felt she had more than enough to make up for it.

“Mum?”

“Yes, Dani.” she said, trying to keep the tension out of her voice and hoping this wasn’t going to be yet another problem to add to her list.

“No sign of Charlie yet – just wondered if you thought she was gonna be a no-show.”

“I’ve given up trying to predict what that girl’s going to do.” she sighed. “She’s got a few minutes yet. If she gets here, she does. If she doesn’t …”

“If she doesn’t, James won’t hold back this time.” Dani informed her, “And I for one will not be covering for her. There’s no talking to her these days and I’m sick of it.”

“Dani …”

“Don’t ‘Dani’ me like it’s my fault! You know what she’s been like – I don’t know what’s gotten into her and quite frankly, I don’t care either. She’s quite capable of getting herself into trouble so now she can get herself out! You’ve been too soft on her lately, letting her get away with behaving like a two-year-old …”

“I can’t help thinking there must be a reason for it – you know this isn’t like her.” their mother tried to explain. “Maybe it’s the upheaval of moving again … Or the shock of the fire …”

“Oh, mum, don’t make excuses for her – you’re always doing that! She settled in quickly enough and I know the fire was a rough time for her, but it doesn’t justify how she’s been acting with everyone – we’ve done nothing but cut her slack and she’s throwing it back in our faces!”

“I’m here so you can stop checking your watches.” came the sudden announcement from the doorway. “And for the record, I’m on time.”

“Charlie …” said Carla, the warning for Dani not to say anything to cause any trouble left unsaid but still obvious.

“Before you start, can we just … not? I’m just an employee here, so no lectures.” Charlie said breezily, pulling her dark hair back into a ponytail as she headed to hang her coat up. “Better get to work – wouldn’t want to get accused of slacking.”

Her elder sister and her mother exchanged a look as she disappeared behind the bar and through to the back and Dani shook her head in despair.

“Ever get the feeling it’s gonna be a long night?”

*

“So what’s a bloke gotta do to get that kinda service?”

“Excuse me?” Dani said, puzzled by the remark from the customer she was serving until she followed his gaze and shook her head with an impatient roll of her eyes as she saw her younger sister leaning over the bar, caught up in a kiss with her boyfriend. “Pint and a vodka and coke, wasn’t it?” she confirmed quickly, sliding the drinks across to the customer and giving him change of the tenner he passed her before she walked swiftly to the other end of the bar and grabbed her sister by the waistband of her trousers.

“Dani! What are you doing?” Charlie exclaimed in surprise.

“I could ask you the same thing – will you cut that out!”

“Since when did you get so uptight? This is a club, people come here to enjoy themselves …”

“But you’re not a punter, you’re meant to be working!”

“And I am – God, give me a break!”

“Uh, Charlie?” Mickey intervened in an attempt to divert a possible row. “Listen, babe, we’re gonna head off soon – Ronny’s all for headin’ up west, so we agreed we’d go …”

“Thought you had to be up early tomorrow for the big move?” Charlie reminded him with a grin, immediately turning her attention from her sister.

“Ye-es …” he shrugged sheepishly, “But it’ll be fine – I’m gonna go easy … well, easier … on the booze and crash at the new house. Got my sleeping bag all ready on the floor – not the most comfortable of things, but …”

“You’ll be too drunk to notice.” Charlie teased, “You have a good night then, babe, and if you need a hand with anything tomorrow, you know where to find me.”

“You’re a darlin’ – I’ll hold ya to that!” he grinned, “I’ll hafta go see if I can find Ronny now – attention span of a goldfish, that bloke. One minute he can’t wait to get goin’ and the next, he’s chasing after any bird who looks sideways at him!”

“Some things’ll never change!” she laughed, “See ya tomorrow, Mickey.”

“Night, Charlie.”

The girl watched from behind the bar with a smile on her face as he disappeared into the crowd and then turned to get back to work, her face falling as she found her sister still behind her.

“He’s going now, alright? Happy?”

“Ecstatic.” Dani said dryly.

*

to be continued...

[melonb]

fabby i love this fic!!! :cheer: :bow: :thumbsup:

[Rach33]

Brilliant as per thanks for posting more always fab

[di marco]

fab! :D i really enjoy reading this script, its great! :) more very very soon please, cant wait

[kirstienod]

hi have just read all of your script, its well good... more very soon i hope!

[Torrie]

Oops, double post! :rolleyes:

[Torrie]

Thanks for reading! :D

44.
As he headed for the exit, talking and laughing with Martin, Ronny and Tariq, Mickey couldn’t help glancing back to where Charlie was working behind the bar. He was glad to see that, in spite of the tension with her family, she still managed to look relaxed as she served customers with a bright smile on her pretty face. He supposed that maybe there was nothing more serious to the tensions than the strain placed on the Saunders family by trying to build up their business, straight after the hassle of moving. Still, it didn’t seem like they had anything to worry about as far as the business was concerned – the club was packed. However, Mickey was a little dubious about the attention Charlie was attracting from other customers - one in particular and, had he not been distracted earlier, he would have realised it was the same person who had already commented on their kiss to Dani. As it was, it wasn’t that he didn’t trust her – it was him he had his doubts about. He seemed to have had too much to drink and although he had been served, the guy was determined to stay and chat, even though Charlie was busy, but it was all part of the job for her, so she couldn't do anything about it. From where he was, Mickey couldn't tell what the guy was saying and he couldn't help wishing he could.

"So, sexy ... what time d'ya knock off?" grinned Charlie's admirer.

"Huh?" she said in surprise, flicking her long dark hair back over one shoulder out of her way.

"I was wondering when you finish here - thought you might fancy heading somewhere else ... Make up for having to work while everyone else is having fun.”

Charlie smiled and tried to gloss over his offer politely, knowing it was part of the job to be friendly with the customers - get them chatting if that was what they wanted, keep them happy. "I don't think that's such a good idea," she smiled, "All night in this place doesn't exactly make you want to head to another club ..."

"Oh, I wasn't thinking of clubbing - we could go somewhere ... quiet ... somewhere private ..." he suggested with raised eyebrows.

Taken aback, Charlie didn't know what to say. "I really don't think so." she said more firmly, "Why don't you find someone else to ..."

"Oh, come on, love - I've seen the way you've been looking at me!" he grinned, trying to take her hand.

She pulled away with a frown, "Look, I'm not interested, okay? I have a boyfriend ..."

"Don't mean you ain't up for a bit of fun! You're just playing hard to get - I kinda like that in a girl!"

At that point, Mickey noticed the change in Charlie and how uncomfortable she looked at the attention she was getting. He excused himself quickly from his mates under the pretence of visiting the gents and made his way to the bar. He got there just in time to see Charlie move round the bar with the intention of avoiding her admirer by collecting some glasses; however, as she did so, the guy followed her and she jumped, dropping a glass and letting it smash on the floor as he grabbed her by the waist.

"Hey!" she protested, turning to get away from him, but only finding herself trapped as he wrapped his arms round her.

"Lighten up!" he laughed, "Come on, I just want a dance ... for now ..."

"OI!" shouted Mickey, as he saw the guy try to kiss Charlie even as she tried to get away from him. "Let 'er go!"

"What's it to you, pal?" snapped the guy, before turning back to Charlie.

"That's MY girlfriend yer tryin' to feel up!"

"Well, she can't be too happy if she's all over me!"

"I am NOT!" protested Charlie, looking outraged as she finally managed to extract herself from his clutches and move to Mickey's side, relieved to see him.

"You wanna watch out for that one, mate - real tease ..." But that was as far as he got before Mickey lunged to punch him.

"No! Mickey, don't - he's not worth it!" said Charlie, trying to hold him back and only succeeding by waving towards security, who responded quickly.

"Problem, Charlie?" asked Shaun.

"This scumbag tried it on with 'er!" snapped Mickey and Shaun nodded grimly.

"Oh, really? Right - OUT!" said Shaun grimly, being fond of Charlie who sometimes babysat for his kids and only too happy to get rid of anyone who had been hassling her.

“You’re gonna regret this, you are!”

“I doubt it.” Shaun replied before grabbing the guy by the shoulders and marching him towards the exit, smiling back reassuringly at Charlie who mouthed her thanks and then turned to wrap her arms round Mickey's waist, leaning against him.

"Ya alright, babe?" asked Mickey anxiously, “That bloke – what a prat!”

"All part of the job." she said, making light of it. "I'm okay, honest. I should get back to work though – gotta get that glass cleaned up before someone gets hurt ..."

He was obviously reluctant to let her go, but he smiled and leaned down to give her a little kiss. "Okay, you sure you don’t want me to hang around though? Walk ya home after your shift?”

“Don’t be daft, Mickey – you go enjoy yourself. I’ll be fine.” she assured him, “Go on, they’re all waiting on you.”

She waited for him to rejoin his mates and then set to work cleaning up the broken glass, but not without a longing glance at her watch – she couldn’t wait for this shift to be over, but all she could do was wait it out.

*

The busiest point of the evening. There was only about half an hour before closing and most of the customers were keen to make the most of their drinking time, keeping the staff run off their feet. Well, all except the manager, of course.

James smiled to himself as he sat back in his office chair, a generous measure of Scotch in his hand, thinking of the money he was raking in and feeling smug that business was going so well. One less thing to worry about …

“Come in.” he responded on hearing a short, sharp knock on the door and sitting up a little straighter to receive his visitor. “Well, well – what can I do for you?”

“I’ve got a complaint.” came the reply from someone Charlie would have been all too surprised to see, considering he had been thrown out not so long ago.

“I thought you might.” James said, a knowing smile on his face. “Take a seat …”

*

to be continued...

[kirstienod]

Great! Post more soon

[Jessie Wallace]

This is brilliant, keep it up.

[Torrie]

45.

“Charlie?”

“I’m kinda busy, Steve …” she said, reaching for a pint glass. “Let me just serve this customer …”

“I’ll get it for ya – you’re wanted in the office. By James.” her co-worker said, sounding apologetic.

“What? He knows we always get busy round this time – what does he want and can’t it wait?”

“He looked pretty hacked off – I wouldn’t keep him hanging …”

“Hanging’s too good for him …” she muttered, but she handed over the clean glass with a sigh, “Two pints for that bloke in the red shirt. I’ll be back in a minute.”

Barely pausing to knock, Charlie marched into the office, her head held high. “You wanted to see me?” she said casually, but a mere glance around took the wind out of her sails as she spotted, not only the unexpected and unwelcome returnee, but also Shaun standing slightly to one side. The mutinous expression on the burly bouncer’s face said more than any words could have conveyed and the girl quickly steeled herself for trouble.

“You know how important image is in this business, Charlene, and public perception – it can be the making of a business. Or it’s ruin. This club is still in the probation period when it could all go either way, so we can’t afford to make any mistakes.” James said, seeming to make a great effort to appear reasonable.

“And your point is?”

“We’ve had a complaint. And a relatively serious complaint at that …”

“Now, Mr Harrison, I wouldn’t say that …” the visitor intercepted, looking as if he felt he was being most magnanimous.

“It’s James and I’m afraid I would, Tom and I can’t tell you how embarrassed I am for this … unfortunate incident to have occurred.”

“I’m sure it’s just a misunderstanding …”

“But these things must be addressed.” James insisted pleasantly.

“What’s going on here?” Charlie demanded impatiently, “Who’s complaining and what’s it got to do with him? He was chucked out a while ago and he shouldn’t have gotten back in …”

“That’s what I said …” Shaun muttered.

“I do apologise, Tom.” James said, looking mortified. “Charlene, I would ask you to kindly moderate your temper, particularly in front of our guest. And Shaun, I’ve already warned you …”

“Guest?! Is this some kind of joke …” Charlie interrupted.

“Tom here is the son of one of my oldest business acquaintances and friends and I invited him to the club as a guest for the evening – I thought it would be a nice gesture as his father has expressed an interest in investing. I won’t trouble you with the technicalities, but it would a great deal of money for your family’s business. Tonight’s fiasco will hardly sit well with Mr. Fielding though … Having Tom thrown out like that – and in front of everyone - Charlene, you had neither the authority nor the justification …”

“What?!” she exclaimed, “James, with all due respect, you weren’t there …”

“For that I can only apologise once again to Tom – perhaps if I had been, I could have prevented this situation from ever arising.”

“He wouldn’t leave me alone!”

“I feel I should also apologise for any offence I’ve caused, James – my woeful attempt at exchanging pleasantries obviously caused some confusion but I can assure you, I never intended to cause any discomfort …” Tom said earnestly.

“Of course not!” James reassured him as Charlie looked on in disbelief.

“I … You can not be serious – he was trying it on! He wouldn’t let me go …”

James and his acquaintance exchanged a patronising look that clearly implied the young woman was overreacting and James sighed, shaking his head as if wondering what to do for the best.

“Now, Charlie, lets not let this get any more out of hand than it already has …” he said, with what was his attempt at clearing the air. “We can put this all behind us quite easily – Tom has been most understanding. However, I could not possibly allow him to take his leave of us without a full apology from you …”

“You what?!” she exploded, “He should be the one apologising to me!”

“Charlene!” her boss snapped, “Enough - apologise at once and lets have no more of this!”

“No.”

“Excuse me?”

“You heard – I said no. I don’t apologise – in fact, I just wish I’d let Mickey punch him when he had the chance!”

“I didn’t want to have to involve your mother in this but, if you insist on carrying on this way, you’ll leave me no choice …”

“Fine. Go and get her and we’ll see who she agrees with.” Charlie nodded confidently. “You really think my mother will be impressed when she hears what your guest has been up to, cracking on to her youngest daughter? Go on then – get her in here.”

James sat back in his chair and regarded the girl with a cold gaze for just long enough to let her think he was bluffing. Then he slowly and deliberately got up and went to the door.

“You stay right there. Tom, you’ll have to excuse me, I won’t be a second.” he said before leaving and allowing the door to close behind him.

*

to be continued...

[Eastenders_4ev@]

great story

[kirstienod]

Great! Keep it up and more soon!

[kirstienod]

more soon i hope

[di marco]

wow this is still really fab! :D i hate james, hes evil! are you going to post anymore?