Hey guys thanks for commenting. I realise I've been out of this for a while. I'll have to try and reel in you again.

Thanks for the welcome back!

Here's another chapter for you. I know its all hell for CJ but won't be forever. :)

Sugar.

Tada …

Joey woke up unsure of what had happened the night before. She rolled over onto her side, and rubbed her eyes. Her first thoughts were happy, and images of Charlie popped into her head. She then saw the note left on her bedside table.

'You fell asleep on me last night. I tried not to wake you. I have work early in the morning so I let myself out. I'll see you sometime in the week. Look after yourself x laura'

She knew she had now put herself in a really awkward position, and frowned. Upon her friend's arrival, she had totally forgotten to read the letter from Ruby. She swung the duvet covers off her in search of the letter. To her amazement and delight she walked into the living room and found it spotless.

Oh Laura, god I don't know what I'd do if I didn't have you as a friend…

She smiled, picking Ruby's letter off the coffee table. Shock invaded her entire body as she skimmed down the page and found it wasn't Ruby's hand writing at all. It was Charlie's. She violently pulled the page away from her eyes, and breathed out loudly.

Shit…..do….do I read it?

She sat herself down, closing her eyes.

This whole time I've wanted…no I've needed to hear from her…and now….now I get a letter from her? The moment I actually want to forget about her…

Tears filled Joey's eyes at thought of all the frustration and heartache she had felt this whole time waiting to hear from the woman she loved.

Ruby woke up to loud noises in the living room.

What the hell is going on out there?

She put her dressing gown on and listened carefully from her door. She could hear things being scattered, chairs moved, and every other word was either 'fuck' or 'shit'.

Charlie was furiously searching the place, every corner, cupboard, shelf, draw, and pile.

It can't be gone…it can't….It can't be gone!

Even Leah came out to see what was going on. "Charlie you do know it's only seven in the morning?" Leah had barely been able to open her eyes properly. Charlie stopped for a second completely flustered to reply "Of course I do" like it was entirely all normal. She set straight back to work looking around the room. "What have you lost? Maybe I can help?" Leah managed to say in between yawns. "Oh just a document for work" Charlie laughed awkwardly. "I'll find it, thanks." Leah nodded thoughtfully and walked back to her room.

It's always interesting living with the Bucktons! She smiled to herself.

In absolute panic, Charlie felt a stab of pain in her chest. She ran her fingers through her hair and walked back to her room.

Maybe I already put it away. Maybe I didn't see it…

From the back of her wardrobe she pulled out a shoebox, and placed it on her lap. Pulling the lid off, she scanned the number of envelopes inside.

32? Where did I put it? What if someone's read it? Or posted it?

Charlie slouched back defeated, looking at the letters she had written to Joey in times of great sorrow, but had never sent them.

Ruby's heart was booming inside her chest.

Joey,

I'm sorry to say I have now lost count, as to how many days it's been since you left. When you didn't come back after three months, I felt the very real loss that I had previously avoided confrontation with.

I can't imagine what you must think of me now. I don't deserve the friendship you offer in your letters, but they make me smile. I've kept everyone of them, in hope. I've written you pages of letters, tons. I know you don't know this, because I never sent them, just like I won't send this one. Thinking about you hurts too much, but you were the only person I've ever been able to open up to.

Apart from Ruby, there hasn't been anything in my life that's had a real positive significance. I'm suppose to be moving in with Angelo who is now my boss, which I hate. A while back I was in an accident where I was knocked down by a car. Angelo slammed all fault on the driver who was Brett, you're brother. In the end I managed to talk him out of it. And before that the diner pretty much burnt down, some where seriously hurt. In previous letters I explained all this, and how everyone found out that Ruby is my daughter. Putting on a brave face and trying to deal with all this too much sometimes. But knowing that you're never coming back deepens the hole in my heart every day.

Every once in a while, when I'm at my lowest I drive to the docks just to imagine seeing you there. I scan the beach for your face, but I never find it. I don't blame you for not coming back.

If I could say anything to you, I'd tell you that I love you and that I'll never give my heart to anyone else, not even Angelo. It'll stay in a place of memories, surrounded by you.

Charlie

Joey read and read, and then re-read every single word. She could only sob at knowing that Charlie still loved her.

Charlie and tidied herself up, and gone round to Angelo's. She didn't really know what she was going to say but she knew she had to try. Angelo smiled at the sight of her. "Why didn't you bring a box of stuff over? It would have made it easier at the weekend…" He frowned a little, and let Charlie in. Charlie closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "Angelo I'm here to break up with you." She said as quickly and as bluntly as she could. Angelo stopped and looked at her, and after a few seconds laughed like it was the funniest thing in the world. He noticed her very serious face and realised she wasn't trying to pull a fast one on him. "Wwwhat?" Charlie ruffled her hair. "I can't do this, I can't move in with you." "Ok, Charlie we don't need to move in together, if you're still not ready we can wait…it's fine." He offered out his hand for contact. Charlie shook her head. "No Angelo I can't do this, I can't BE with you." Charlie said shaking. "Where is this coming from?" "Angelo I'm just not…..in love with you."

There she had finally said it. She had pushed herself to say the words and now silence hung in the air between them. She hated herself for seeing such hurt across his face.

"I'm sorry." Charlie felt sick to her stomach. Having now confessed to him, she knew she would now have to face her fear of being alone. Angelo let his hand drop and moved aside for her to leave. Without saying anything else, she walked out, with a sad tear rolling down her cheek. "Take care of yourself." Angelo didn't reply.