After going back to Ashdene Ridge to get the rest of her stuff, Charlie and Alex arrived back at Charlie's house. Alex lifted the boxes out of the car, as Charlie paid the taxi driver. They carried the boxes into the house and dumped them in Charlie's bedroom, for her to sort out later. After they dumped the boxes, the two of them slumped onto the bed, exhausted. Charlie was still recovering from jet-lag, and Alex hadn't fully recovered from his early wake-up call from Alice.
CHARLIE
I'm shattered.
Alex chuckled.
ALEX
Yeah, well, at least you weren't dragged out of bed to make breakfast at the crack of dawn.
CHARLIE
So, I'm guessing you're the cook at your mum's then?
ALEX
Pretty much. Well, when mum and Steven are working. Even then...
Charlie glanced at Alex and smiled at him.
ALEX
What're you smiling at?
CHARLIE
Nothing, just you. Talking about family.
ALEX
What about it?
CHARLIE
It's just nice to see, that's all. Or hear... ..whatever.
ALEX
Yeah. I never thought I would ever have a family. I know we have everyone at the DG... ..even them. Any other care home I was dumped at was nothing like the DG... Sorry, I'm rambling.
CHARLIE
No, it's fine. Makes a change from it being me.
ALEX
You know, I was just about to say that.
Charlie nudged Alex's arm.
ALEX
Ow!
CHARLIE
Oh, come on. I barely touched you.
ALEX
Well, you've got really knobby elbows.
CHARLIE
I have not.
They both laughed and continued to just look at each other, whilst laying down on the bed and smiling. Alex's phone buzzed and ruined the moment. He sat up and got his phone out of his pocket, but stood up as soon as he saw who the text was from.
ALEX
Oh, crap!
CHARLIE
What's up?
Alex stood up.
ALEX
It's Lily. I'm late for work.
CHARLIE
I thought you said your shift started in half-an-hour?
ALEX
Yeah, that was true half-an-hour ago.
CHARLIE
Sorry.
ALEX
What for?
CHARLIE
If I'd never asked you to help out...
ALEX
It's not your fault.
Alex looked at the pile of boxes and thought for a moment.
ALEX
I'll just tell her I'm sick or something.
CHARLIE
Why would you do that?
ALEX
Well... you'll need help getting all this sorted, won't you?
CHARLIE
Alex, I spent the past year on my own, travelling. I'm pretty sure I can handle sorting out a few boxes.
ALEX
Are you sure?
CHARLIE
Yes! I'll be fine. When did you turn into such a fusspot?
ALEX
I'm not a fusspot(!)
YOU ARE READING
Charlie & Alex: After the DG
FanfictionIt had almost been a year since Charlie left the Dumping Ground. To follow in her Grandad's footsteps and see the world. Alex, now living with his mum and sister, had been eagerly awaiting for Charlie's return from her travels. Seeing the sights and...
