Joey's Return

"Maybe after 3 months apart… this will be easier for us."

"No! 3 months is forever. Please… just stay!"

Joey remembered as she saw the dock where she last saw Charlie bidding her goodbye, as she walk on the street to her house. Thankful that its still too early and the chance of bumping into someone she knew is less likely to happen. Summer bay is a small town and she knew somehow eventually she will have to face them, but at the moment she's not ready yet.

Charlie is right, she thought… 3 months really is forever… and its already been a year since that day and now its seems like a lifetime.

Knowing where Brett normally keep the spare keys to the house, Joey silently sneaked in her way through the back door and dropped her bags onto the floor. She looked around the house that looks like it has been abandoned and deafiningly quiet.

"Brett!!!" Joey called out, but no one replied.

She then headed upstairs to her room, assuming the Brett is probably out for an early morning drink or maybe he hasn't been home since last night. As she reached her room, she noticed the letter that is pinned on the door of her room with a very familiar writing.

Joey,

I don't know when will you be back and I don't know how to reach you either. You seemed to have just vanished in the face of the earth, which I know partly was my fault. Im really sorry for that Jo.

Anyway I will no longer be living here as I got a job in New Zealand. And I've decided to move there and have a fresh start. I leave the address where I will be staying just in case you come back and… well, if you might feel like following me there and please feel free to do so.

I'm the only family you've got as you are mine. I regret the day that I disowned you. I've missed you Jo… I hope things get better for us in the future.

Brett

Joey read the letter and note that it has been dated 6months ago. Joey felt a little overwhelmed as her brother may finally came to his senses. He's right, he is the only family she had left.

Joey entered the room, lying flat back on her bed. She missed her room, staring in the ceiling, she still is surprised about the Brett's letter. She thought so far everthing seems to be ok since she arrived.

Now she wonder if her going away, did any good to her so called relationship with Charlie. She wondered if Charlie missed her as much as she does or even just thought of her when she's away. Joey knew she didn't asked Charlie to wait for her. And admitted the fact that she didn't even try to communicate with Charlie at all. But she couldn't help but hope that maybe somehow, Charlie waited for her and maybe… just maybe, realised that Joey is the one that could make her happy and not some guy. Because what Joey found out after a year of soul searching in the sea although it was being covered up as a work, she realised that no matter how far she go, no matter where she is, even if she is in an open water that normally makes her forget about everything… her heart still belongs and longed for the woman she left behind.

She glanced at the clock on her table surprised that it's still working, deciding that its still early and the sun hasn't come out yet, she closed her eyes hoping that sleep will soon claim her.

Emotionless Charlie

7.00am

"Morning Charlie!" Ruby was just finishing her breakfast when Charlie came in from her morning run.

"Morning Rubz" Charlie simply replied.

Ruby looked at Charlie, she was used to seeing her sister like this… less enthusiastic. She seemed to just wake up every morning because she doesn't have a choice. Charlie hardly smiles, she hardly laugh. She is so up tight and so distant from everyone. She's physically there but her mind is always elsewhere.

Since Joey left, it seems as if she took her sister's soul with her. Sure Charlie is in a relationship with Angelo but Ruby still can't see the Charlie she saw when it was Joey she's with.

"Ruby, What?!" Charlie caught Ruby staring at her with deep thought in her head. She always does that and up until now Charlie doesn't know why.

"Nothing Charlie" she lied. "I just… missed you. I guess."

Charlie looked at the younger Buckton confused after hearing her answer. She never left for a long period of time for Ruby to miss her. She just went for a run and it didn't even took 1 hour.

"What are you talking about Rubz? I just went for a run and it only took 45mins. Is there something wrong?"

Ruby fainlty just smiled at her, knowing how oblivious Charlie was as to what she meant. She looked in Charlies eyes, even though her question sounds concern, her eyes failed to show any sign of it, Ruby thought to herself.

She continued watching her big sister make herself a coffee… deciding whether she prefered seeing the Charlie that never stopped crying her heart out all the time, every night and every waking morning for 1 month after Joey left and another month after 3 months that Joey failed to come back or the Charlie that is in front of her now. Who's eyes shows no emotions at all.

Charlie oblivious to her sister's stare is making herself a coffee, looking outside the kitchen window. Without thinking anything, but suddenly realised a tear feel from her eyes. She wiped it off urgently not wanting her sister to see what just happened.

What the hell Charlie!? Crying for no reason?! Pathetic!

Charlie chastised herself for letting a tear escaped her eyes, focusing on her coffee, she turned to face the eating Ruby on the table.

"So Chalz, What are your plans for today? Except from working?" Ruby tried a small talk to escaped the awkwardness of silence.

"Nothing. What else can I do besides work?"

"You know, there's a lot to life than just working?... ooohhh wait I forgot.

"Forgot what Rubs?"

"I forgot that work IS your life!" Ruby giggled teasing her sister

". very funny!" Charlie replied sarcastically.

.

Both the Buckton sisters turned to look, both dissapointed to see who it was.

Angelo let himself in, and approached Charlie and kissed the top of her hed. Ruby felt disgusted. Although the town seemed to have forgiven him from killing Jack, Ruby still hasn't warmed up to the idea that her sister is dating the good for nothing cop, more so a murderer.

"What are you doing here?" Charlie asked her boyfriend surprised to see him… but not delighted.

"I came to pick you up. I've been thinking… We've been pretty busy at work and I felt like we're neglecting our relationship. So… you know, to make up for it…" Angelo smiled at Charlie whose eyes he can not read. "I from now on will pick you up for work so we have an extra time together." Angelo knows that their relationship is not as strong as it looks, but he loves Charlie and although Charlie hasn't said the 3 little word he's been dying to hear or maybe hasn't feel it yet… he is determined to make Charlie fall for him and love him the way he loves her.

"Ok! Im up! Im gonna be late. See yeah Later!" Ruby was in a hurry to get away from them as fast as she could. She felt sick hearing Angelo's monologue and might not control it if she stayed and hear more. She doesn't like the guy because of what he did to Jack but also she doesn't like him even before because he failed to bring the life in Charlie's eyes.

Charlie watched her sister go, wishing she wouldn't. Being alone with Angelo felt more lonely when she is actually alone. She still doesn't know why she's with him. She doesn't love him for starters and yet here she is dealing with it. Funny she can't deal with people labelling her 'gay" even it was meant to be with the one she trully love, but she can deal being in a lifeless relationship with a man she doesn't feel anything for at all.

Stop thinking about her! She's not coming back! Just be happy your not literally alone!

Diner Reunion

Stirring from her slumber, Joey relactantly opened her eyes. She glanced at the clock it read 4.30pm! She abruplty sat up straight, feeling a little dizzy from the sudden movement.

Grrr…

Joey heard her stomach rambling. She went downstairs to the kitchen to find herself something to eat, completely forgeting that the house has been abandoned for 6months already. Joey relialising her situation she for a minute debated with herself it she should go to the diner or just buy some bread from the next street.

Grrr…

Realising she haven't had a proper meal or a delightful meal for ages, she quickly change clothes and headed out the door to go to the diner, secretly hoping she wouldn't bump into someone she's heavily involved with in the past although that chances are more likely to bumped in to one of them.

15 minutes later and Joey is now in front of the diner door. Standing there still deciding whether or not to go in or just head back home.

Grrr.. Grrr..

Alright! Alright! I'm going in!

Joey thought, hunger took over her. She let herself in, heads down as she approached the counter.

"I'll be with you shortly" Joey looked up as to hear the familiar voice of Leah. She fought the urge to run away but she's really hungry so she just look at the menu as she wait to get served.

"Sorry for the wait. What can I ge…" Leah finally looking as to who her customer is, she was startled to see Joey standing in front of her.

Please don't say my name out laud. Please don't say my name out laud

"Joey!!!"

Leah run out of the counter and to Joey, giving her a tight big hug. Joey hugged her back sighing to herself as her plead wasn't heard. Now she's hoping that Leah didn't catch anyones attention.

"uuhhhkkk…" Joey couldn't breath as Leah's hug is too tight.

Leah realising she may have hugged Joey too tight preventing her to breath, finally let go.

"How are you Joey? When did you come back? It's really good to see you!"

Joey finally catching her breath… "I'm goo Leah, thanks. I just came back today, this morning actually… and its good to see you too."

"Grrr…"

Leah looked at Joey quizically hearing something rumbling. She saw Joey turned bright red and realised its Joey's hungry tummy. Leah smiled knowingly.

"Ooopps.. Sorry. So what can I get you?" Leah returning behind the counter.

"Uhm… can I please have a… uhm.. Strawberry milkshake and… tuna salad please"

"Wow… for someone who's hungry, you sure did took your time deciding what to eat" Leah teased.

"There's a lot of nice food you have on the menu, can't decide which one to get. Knowing how good of a cook you are…" Joey grinned

"Hah! You never change Joey. And because of that, your food tonight will be on me!"

"Oh geezz Leah, you don't have.."

"I insist!" Leah interupted her, knowing what Joey's about to say. "Just take your seat and I'll bring you, your food shorlty."

"Thank Leah! You're the best!" Joey continued to teased.

She found herself a seat at the corner, hoping its secluded enough. She watched everyone that goes in and out of the diner's door. Leah noticed how tensed Joey is, as she approached her table.

"Here's your food Joey" Placing the food on the table she also placed herelf on the seat facing Joey.

Joey looked at her food and surprised that Leah located herself in front of her.

"Joey why are you hiding here?" Leah asked even though she has a tinniest clue as to why.

"Im not hiding Leah" Joey lied as she start eating her food. "the food is great as always Leah" she smiled hoping it would change the subject.

"Thank you, but I'm not letting you off the hook…"

Joey remained quiet but swallowed hard.

"Joey… I have a feeling that you don't wan to be notice by anyone. But its really hard. Summer Bay is a small town, where most people know each other, you know that"

"I know…" Joey continued eating

Leah giggled, looking how hungry Joey must be. She adored the girl even before and couldn't blame Chalie for falling for her.

"Then why hide? I mean, sooner or later they would know… so why not now?"

Joey looked at Leah… swallowing hard again, she thought of the the woman said. She was about to open her mouth when a teenager entered the diner and immediately spotted her.

"JOEY!!!"

Both Leah and Joey looked at Ruby running towards Joey and almost knocking her off the chair when Ruby embraced her pretty tightly.

"I've missed you!!!" Ruby exclaimed still cant depart herself from Joey.

"I've missed you too Ruby"

Leah watch her younger housemate and former housemate interact with each other. It could've been picture perfect if it weren't missing one.

Finally releasing Joey from Her gripped Ruby located herself beside Joey.

"So, How are you Joey?"

"I'm good thank you" Joey finished her food before anyone comes and decided to almost choked her again with their hugs. It's not that she's ungreatful for it. She actually does enjoy the warm welcome that she's been receiving now.

"Yeah, I bet you're good." Ruby looked at Joey more tentatively "the sea really do you good Joey… you look absolutely…" Ruby suddenly out of words, not wanting to sound like she's checkng Joey out. But who wouldn't she thought. The girl is gorgeous. "absolutely.. WOW!" she managed to finished her sentence.

"Thanks Rubz… you look good yourself too. Is that because of Xavier?" Joey winked to Leah and grinned.

"I think so…" Leah joining in teasing Ruby

"Leah!"

The 3 girls continue to catch up. Irene was about to call Leah back, but seeing the reason why Leah has been hold up, she decided not to interupt. Irene knew Joey and quite frankly, she liked the girl. She's friendly and witty and funny and although she didn't really get to spend any time getting to know her, she have heard a lot of good things about her.

"So Joey, where do you stay now?" Ruby asked

"Brett's house… well mine now since he's he lives in New Zealand now."

"Ohhh… I was hoping you can stay with us again" Leah knew how much her son is fond of Joey as much as they are.

"Yeah… well… and I don't think it would be a good idea…"

"Why not? Because of Charlie?" Ruby blurted out before she can stop herself

"I guess?"

"Joey… Why didn't you come back after 3 months like you said?" Ruby continued

"Geezz... you never ran out of questions do you?"

"You never get tired of avoiding them do you?" Ruby smiled a little

"Because I thought is still not enough. I mean… I needed more time."

Both Ruby and Leah looked at each other; they both noticed the hurt in Joey's ever so honest eyes they could never lie. She's still hurting and they both saw it. Which mean she still loves Charlie.

The news will break Joey's heart again in million pieces

Both Leah and Ruby thought to themselves. The facial expression didn't go without Joey noticing. She sensed that there is something that these two is not telling her. But decided not to push it.

"How's uhmm… How's Charlie by the way?" Joey asked making sound as casual question as she can managed it to be.

"She's ok?" Leah looks at Ruby as if asking if she said it correct.

Joey looked at Leah and then Ruby and then Leah again.

"Ok." She wanted to asked more but she decided not to. Instead she excused herself and went to the toilet.

"Should we tell her?" Leah leant and whispered to Ruby

"I don't know… did you see the hurt in her eyes? God her knowing Charlie is in a relationship will crash her"

"I know…" Leah said in agreement.

"Senior constable what can I do for you?" Colleen greeted the couple entered the diner.

Leah and Ruby both turned their head as they heard the mention of 'senior constable' only to find Charlie isn't alone. Wrapped around her waist is Angelo's arm. Ruby and Leah immediately went pale as they looked at each other. They both knew this is not going to be good.

Charlie spotted Leah and Ruby in corner, and she could swear they looked so pale it's as if they've seen a ghost. Worried Charlie walked towards them. Leaving Angelo to wait for their order.

"Hey, guys! Everything ok?"

Leah looked at Ruby. She wanted to say something, anything but was too nervous about the situation.

"Yeah. Everything's ok." Ruby lied.

"Hey babe. Ready to go? I've got the foods" Angelo approached Charlie wrapping her arms around Charlie again. Making sure not to missed any physical contact he can have with Charlie.

Oblivious to everyone, a pair of eyes were watching the table that she just left to go freshen up. She tensed when she noticed a familiar figure approached the table. She still looks so beautiful, Joey thought. She frozed from where she was standing at the sight of the woman in uniform. And when she already gathered enough courage to walk back to her table, another person walked towards Charlie, she assumed it was a collegue but when she saw the guy wrapped his arms lovingly around Chalie's waist, she knew they're more than that.

What do you expect? That she'll wait for you? You're an idiot! She didn't even last one night without you before going off to Hugo's bed! And you still hope she will last for a year! You're just an experiment to her Joey! Nothing more!

Joey thought. She fought the urge to walk back and surprised them but then she realised she's not ready to face all of them all at the same time without breaking. She needs time to think and to set her mind and brain and more importantly to numb her broken into million pieces heart. She tried hard not to burst in tears. Not untill she gets home.

"Ok. I'll see you guys later ok?" Charlie bidding goodbye to her sister and her housemate Leah.

Not long after Charlie and Angelo left, Joey came back from the comfort room. Both Leah and Ruby let out a sigh of relied having thought that Joey didn't see Charlie and Angelo.

"Hey, What's with the look?" Joey asked acting innocent.

"uhmm… What took you so long in there? Bad Salad?" Leah joked wishing it would lighten up the mood a bit.

"Nope. I just need to stay there for a bit. Not a bad idea huh?" Joey eyed both Ruby and Leah, seeing the worry looked on their faces.

"What do you mean?" Ruby asked hoping that she's wrong about her feeling.

"Oh, c'mon guys. I saw Charlie…" Joey tried to put a brave smile on her face hoping her eyes wouldn't betray her like it always do.

Leah and Ruby looked stunned neither of them know what to say. They feel a bit guilty for not telling Joey before hand.

"Don't worry guys. It's ok. (No its not. It hurts)." Joey kept her looked on both of her friends. "I saw Charlie and her boyfriend. Its not supposed to be a big deal right?"

Ruby eyed Joey, searching her eyes but failed to see anything. She didn't want to see Joey hurt but she kinda hope that her eyes will show it. Coz then it will confirm that she still have feelings for Charlie and with some help on Charlie's side she might be able to get her old sister back. The one with so much love and care to give, not the one that is so guarded with her feelings that she doesn't let anyone in. Not even her.

"What is ok Joey?" Ruby asked as she failed to see what she wants to see in Joey's eyes.

"It's ok for me to see them together. I mean… should I expect more from Charlie?"

Silence…

Joey couldn't take it anymore; she doesn't know for how long can she keep her brave face in front of these people that had witnessed her relationship with Charlie before. It hurts too much. She knows that she shouldn't expect anything but she couldn't help it. And now the truth is out and layed down on her feet, Charlie had move on and so she should too.

"I better go guys. I'm still tired and having had a lot of sleepless night, I need a long relaxing sleep. I'll see you guys 'round ok?"

With that she left the diner without even waiting for Leah and Ruby to reply. Tears started streaming down her face. She walked as fast as she possibly could to get inside the house, in where she can pour her heart out, cry as much as she can and grieve as much her body and mind can take.

At the diner both Leah and Ruby still looked confused and stunned at Joey's reaction. The expected tears and declaration of how much it hurts her to see Charlie in the arms of another, but none of it happened. Joey seemed to accept it fully, opposite to the hurt they saw in her eyes earlier. They failed to read Joey's honest eyes this time.