Chapter 1.
The moon danced across the water. The waves rippled across the sand. The night was so peaceful yet inside Charlie everything was at war. Her heart, her mind, her entire body. Staring out into the night she drew upon the beauty of the ocean to calm herself for a second, long enough to let the words being to flow. Once they started she felt them pouring from her, taking with them all the fear and confusion that had been eating her up inside. Slowly but surely the fog in her heart began to clear, and she could finally see where her path ahead lay; with Joey.
"I think I love you too" For the first time in weeks Charlie's mind was silent, all she could hear was the beating of her heart. It was beating like crazy, but when she looked at Joey she thought her chest might explode. She looked so happy, she was trying to remain calm, yet she couldn't contain the smile that spread across her face. She loves me, thought Charlie. Even after all I'd done. If only I'd been brave enough to tell her sooner.
"Do you want to be with me?" The question was filled with such longing, such hope and with those few words Charlie finally found herself at peace. She had finally found someone who loved her for who she was, who understood her, who made her feel safe and warm. She didn't want to fight anymore, she couldn't contain all the love that was fighting to explode from her.
"Yes I do. I want to be with you."
Time slowed, the sound of the ocean melted into silence, their world became the four walls of the car. Charlie felt the electricity swirling through the air, coursing through her, pulling her towards Joey for a kiss that sent fireworks through her heart. The kiss was tender, filled with love. It melted away the heartbreak of the last few weeks, and held promises of sunshine and happiness. The kiss felt like it lasted a lifetime, and Charlie didn't want it to end. As the need for air slowly forced them apart, Charlie reluctantly parted from Joey's soft, sweet lips. She rested her forehead against Joey's, keeping her eyes closed as she let the power of the kiss wash over her. She was intoxicated. Her heart was racing, and she could no longer contain the happiness that was coursing through her. It bubbled forth from her in a smile that stretched from ear to ear. Yet still it came, and Charlie found herself starting to giggle like a school girl. They sat there with their hands entangled in each other's hair, their foreheads together, giggling, the happiness overtaking them. They reluctantly pulled apart to wipe away the tears from their eyes, both of them instantly missing the contact.
" Why did we wait so long?" Charlie managed through her giggles.
" Buggered if I know" Joey exclaimed as she lent in for another kiss.
Slowly time wore on, the moon wandered across the sky and the tide turned. Neither Joey nor Charlie noticed. Inside the safety of their little world the night seemed endless. They laughed and talked the night away, sharing stories of their lives, their hopes and dreams, their sorrows and joys. Their hands remained entwined, their eyes never leaving each other, except when they blissfully closed for the sharing of sweet, tender kisses.