Chuffy fic - Part Five - "I need you"
“I’ll meet you at the car Peter, I’ll be five minutes.” Duffy said, as they walked towards the exit of the maternity ward. She’d handed Peter her car keys and smiled at her son reassuringly.
Peter walked out through the double doors leaving the building, and his Mum alone with Charlie.
Duffy turned to Charlie, who had walked this far with them.
“I can’t promise I’ll be free for dinner or anything Charlie, but, I’d still like it if I could see you, later tonight?” Duffy asked, somewhat flustered, and a touch of red blushing at her cheeks.
“Oh, of course, if you’re sure? I don’t mind if you’re going to be busy, especially with Peter, Tanya and baby Katherine?” Charlie replied, quite shocked that she’d even contemplate sharing her evening with him, especially after today.
“I think, I’d prefer it, after today. I could do with some, company.” Duffy looked at him, a little touch of relief on her face after hearing his response.
“No problem, no problem at all.” Charlie replied, taking her hands in his and squeezing them for emphasis.
He looked directly into her eyes, and smiled back at her. Feeling her body ease as he gripped her hands. She sighed, returning her own smile to his. He let her hands go. As she walked out of the double doors leaving the building, Charlie sighed to himself watching her go.
By 9:30pm he’d given up hope that she’d be stopping by tonight. He’d already had three whiskeys and felt like he may need a fourth, as the day’s events had been circling around in his mind all evening. He sat at the kitchen breakfast bench eagerly looking at the label, “Chardonnay, a sweet flavoursome fruity white wine, with a hint of elderflower and citrus flavours”, on the bottle of wine in his hands. Then he placed the bottle back down on the kitchen counter top. He knew she’d like it. But doubted she’d be here this evening to enjoy it. He sighed to himself. It was selfish of him to expect her to show up, she’s had a very upsetting day, who was he to say that she had be here anyway. He picked up his bottle of Jameson whiskey and poured himself his fourth glass. Then the doorbell rang. He froze on the spot, glass raised at his lips, and gulped his mouthful of whiskey down in surprise.
“Christ!” Charlie exclaimed to himself.
He looked down at the whiskey in his hand, and gulped the last of it’s contents, for courage he thought.
Duffy was nervously waiting for him to answer the door. Although it wasn’t long before he was there standing in the doorway welcoming her into his home.
They smiled at each other, blushing in turn as she walked into the hallway. Ever the gentleman Charlie offered to take her coat, politely she handed it to him. After the events from today, and their heated kiss, this evening he wasn’t expecting anything from her. But to now finally have her here in his home. He didn’t think he would be able to avoid kissing her again.
Charlie managed to speak but his nerves got the better of him as he stumbled on a few words at her, “Erm, have you eaten at all? Would you…would you, like some tea or orange juice?”
“I’ve eaten thanks, I hope you have too Charlie, I’m sorry it’s so late. But I wanted to come.” Duffy looked at him, reading all too well the nerves written all over his face.
“Oh, it’s fine. Not trouble at all. I’ve had a bite to eat too thanks. What would you like to drink?” Charlie asked her as he followed her down the hallway into the kitchen.
As Duffy walked into the kitchen she noticed the bottle of whiskey on the counter top, and the empty glass alongside a bottle of white wine.
“A glass of wine would be lovely.” She said, as she smiled back at Charlie as he entered the room.
“One glass of wine coming up.” He smiled back at her, with a bit more enthusiasm in his voice.
“How’s Tanya and Katherine?” He asked, as he reached into the cupboard for a wine glass.
“Oh Katherine’s oxygen levels reached normal levels about an hour or so after we left. Her obs have been improving ever since. Just a response after the birth thankfully. Tanya is naturally quite tired, and achy, but other than that she is on the mend. It’s such a relief.” Duffy said, as she was handed a glass of wine from Charlie.
She took a sip and smiled appreciatively at him and said, “Mmm, beautiful wine Charlie, good choice.”
“I knew you’d like it. I’m so pleased they’re both doing well.” Charlie smiled back at her, listening and watching her as she spoke.
He knew that she felt a little more comfortable, as her words came tumbling out of her. He then poured himself another whiskey and took a sip.
“I’m just so relieved they’re both ok, it was a very complicated birth.” Duffy said, troubled by the memory of today, as she looked up at Charlie, catching his eye.
“You were fantastic with them both Duffy. You should believe in yourself more. You’re a great midwife, and nurse.” Charlie replied, reassuring her.
“I lost my nerve Charlie, completely. I’d never have delivered Katherine, and I doubt she’d of survived if you hadn’t been there.” Duffy’s nerve suddenly broke in front of him, as tears formed in her eyes, as the guilt suddenly hit her.
“Oh Duffy.” Charlie said, as he walked over to her, took her glass from her hand and hugged her close.
“It’s alright.” Charlie said, as she began to cry into his shoulder.
“It’s not alright though Charlie. I could have lost my granddaughter today.” She said, through gentle sobs.
“But you didn’t, and you haven’t. It’s all over with now, she’s fine.” Charlie said, as he rubbed her back trying to comfort her.
“I’d never have delivered her without you there.”
“It was a team effort Duffy, I only followed your lead. They are your family, and family always cloud our judgement you know that. You delivered her though, and together we brought her back.”
“Together?” Duffy said, as she raised her head from his shoulder, sniffing and brushing back some of her tears.
“Yes, that’s right Duffy. Together.”
“Oh Charlie. You’re the only one who knows how to calm me. Do you know that?”
“I’ve had a lot of practise.” Charlie said, as he winked at her, then broke into a grin.
Then they both realised what that really meant. They knew each other inside and out. They’d known each other for over thirty years, but only as friends. But they knew now that it was always more than just friendship. They were good for each other, good together, much better than apart. Were they soulmates? Standing in front of each other, holding each other close. Their feelings for each other reflecting in their eyes, they slowly realised that they well could be soulmates. So there was only one thing left for them to do: be together.
It was Duffy who leaned in to kiss him, then pulled away slightly, nervously looking into his eyes. Then Charlie kissed her, tentatively at first, then he drew her body into his as their kiss deepened further. A few moments later their kiss ended.
Duffy spoke first, hurriedly as if her mind spoke for her.
“I need you.” She breathed.
“I need you too.” Charlie replied, as he kissed her again.
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