Chapter Text
2019. The start of a new year. Vanessa had finally got a place to call home. She had been working in Emmerdale’s Veterinary Centre for the last five years, taking a share two years ago. She’s always loved being a Vet and now she loves being a mum to Johnny. She had moved from Leeds, commuting daily was getting tiring and there was so much to offer in the village. Her dad and sister lived in the village, and there was everything she needed at the touch of her fingertips.
Vanessa carried the last box through the entrance and set it down with the rest. She turned to Tracy and Frank who were currently in the kitchen looking for champagne glasses.
“That was the last box. I can’t believe this is my home” She took of her coat and hung it across a box making her way into the kitchen.
“Proud of you Teeny. You and Johnny will love it here” He hugged his daughter as they all clinked their glasses together.
“Shall we go to the pub for dinner?” Tracy suggested
“Yeah. I’ve been hear almost everyday for the last five years and I haven’t set foot into the pub. What’s it like?” Vanessa asked
“They have the most gorgeous gobby landlady, and the foods good too” She winked at Vanessa.
“Ok” She rolled her eyes “Can you go and play with Johnny for a few hours, let me get some unpacking done and I’ll meet you back here about five.”
“Yes boss” Tracy saluted as she walked out the door.
Vanessa spent a good few hours, sorting out Johnny’s room and the bathroom. She moved into her room, made the bed and started moving all the boxes to be unpacked, clothes to be hung up and put away. She didn’t realise how long she had been working for, but she heard a knock at the door, but it opened straight away. She knew it was Tracy so carried on putting some bits away.
“Wow. You’ve done loads V” Tracy said from behind her causing Vanessa to shoot into the air.
“Don’t sneak up on me like that Tracy”
They headed over to the pub and went straight to the table. Tracy went to the bar, Vanessa did keep looking to see who the gorgeous landlady was. There was a brunette at the bar probably the same age as Vanessa if not a bit older. I mean she was pretty, but she looked friendly and not gobby. Tracy was normally quite good at describing people, but she didn’t see the match. Tracy walked back over and set her drinks down, they decided what she was going to order.
“I thought you said the landlady was gorgeous. Don’t get me wrong she’s very pretty but”
“Woah Vanessa. I wasn’t talking about Chas, that’s the other landlady. The blonde one will be in later and she is proper hot”
“Oh, right ok” Vanessa rubbed at the back of her neck a little embarrassed.
A couple of hours had passed, and they had finished eating, Johnny was now occupied on his aunties phone and Tracy and Vanessa had got another bottle of wine.
“Chas you are free to go. I am here.” A loud voice called out from the back of the pub.
“That’s her coming out now.” Tracy said. Vanessa didn’t want to make it obvious she was so intrigued, so she kept her head down for a while. She caught sight of familiar blonde curls and flicked her eyes up. They locked eyes for a minute before Charity walked towards the back room.
“Oh V, there is chemistry!”
“Shut up Tracy” Vanessa’s face had started to go bright red as she looked down at the table.
The blonde came back through a few minutes later and walked straight for the table, she was wringing her hands together. She stopped in front of Vanessa causing Vanessa to look up.
“Vanessa? Vanessa Woodfield? Is that really you?” Charity beamed at her
“Yes. What do you want?” Vanessa snapped back.
“Nothing. It’s good to see you.” She gave a little wave as she walked back behind the bar.
“What was that all about? You already know the hot landlady?” Tracy asked
“Yes. I need to go, are you still ok to have Johnny for the night? I’ll get as much as I can unpacked tonight and tomorrow morning. I’ll give you a call yeah” She had flung her bag and coat over her arm, kissed Johnny on the head and headed for the door. Tracy was so confused and looked over at Charity who was sat with her back to her, leaning on her elbow.
Vanessa couldn’t breath as she ran through the village back towards home. As soon as she got inside, she headed straight for her room. She found the box marked ‘memories’ and pulled it open, finding the old CD player she plugged in the headphones and lay back on the bed. She couldn’t believe after all these years of listening to the mixtape and never really forgetting, she bumped into Charity Dingle. She felt fresh tears slide down her cheeks as she pressed play, she closed her eyes and waiting for all the memories to come flooding back.