"The Truth Hurts"
Rating: K+
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Chapter Four
Joey and Ruby finished their walk along the beach, and decided to head up to the Diner. Angelo watched the pair from his spot outside the Diner. As they walked closer to him, he ambled over to join them, maintaining his need to find out if Joey was planning on getting back together with Charlie. "Hey Ruby," he tried to greet them friendly as he walked up behind them. The two girls turned around at the greeting, both awkwardly surprised by his approach. "Angelo. Hi...um how's things?" Ruby asked him. "Yeah they're fine. How's Charlie? I've been worried about her...since we spoke this morning," Angelo admitted. "She's good I guess. I haven't seen her since earlier as well...what with school and all. But I'm gonna see her shortly with..." Ruby turned towards Joey. What the hell does Angelo think he's doing here? He knows who Joey is. What is he here to tell Joey to back off and keep out of his relationship with Charlie?
"Right of course. You must be Joey. Sorry we didn't really get introduced last night, I'm Angelo," Angelo struck out his hand in front of Joey, challenging her to make the next move. Joey hesitated but took his hand in her own, shaking it briefly. "Joey," she simply replied. Ruby stared at the two of them and the tension surrounding the group. "So ah Angelo, Joey and I were just gonna get some food from the Diner for Charlie, so we should...go do that now. Don't want to keep her waiting," Ruby informed him. "Yeah she told me she hates hospital food, so I thought she might want something a little more normal," Joey added. Charlie told her...today? So she has seen Charlie today...and she's planning on going back and doing something that might only be a simple request but to me getting her food is the boyfriendly thing I should be doing. The girls stared at Angelo, as he stood there with a look of loathing on his face, before turning towards the Diner. Angelo swiftly grabbed Joey's arm, holding her back, "Actually if you wouldn't mind...Joey I'd like to talk to you for a moment. Ruby your Charlie's sister, you should know what she'll be happy with...from the Diner. I'm sure you can get the meal yourself, and give us a few minutes," Angelo suggested.
I don't think so. Even Joey looks scared of him. No way am I leaving her with Angelo so he can interrogate her on her relationship with Charlie. "I don't think that's such a good idea Angelo," Ruby replied. But Ruby was surprised when Joey decided, "It's okay Rubes, no big deal. I'll be alright. You just go get something from the Diner. I'll see you in a sec." Ruby nodded, "Okay if you're sure. I won't be long." Joey watched as Ruby trudged over to the Diner, then turned her attention back to Angelo. "So ah..." Joey couldn't find the words. What am I supposed to say to my ex's current? Is he here to tell me he doesn't want me seeing Charlie anymore because it might ruin his relationship with her? "Look I know this isn't the best of situations, and I understand why you might be hesitant to talk to me but I still thought we should at least...get to know each other," Angelo suggested. "Um I guess. Don't take this the wrong way but why do you want to get to know me?" Joey questioned. "Charlie told me about you and her. About your relationship. But she won't answer some questions I have...and I'm kinda hoping you will," Angelo responded.
Joey shook her head, "Look I don't know you very well but your relationship with Charlie, and whether she opens up to you about her relationship with me is none of my business." "Well I tend to disagree. Since you're back in town and obviously not planning on leaving straight away then it is my business," Angelo insisted. "Fine if that's what you think. Look just ask me whatever it is you wanta ask Angelo. I don't know how I can possibly help you because I really think you need to be talking to...your girlfriend about this," Joey told him harshly. "Yeah well right now I'm trying to do what Charlie asks and give her some time so she can work things out, but I just need to know...is she the reason you're back here? Are you here to win her back?" Angelo asked sadly.
Joey looked off into the distance. "No. I came here to see Brett, my return had nothing to do with Charlie. Truthfully, I didn't think I was ready to see her. I'm not sure how much she told you about our relationship but she hurt me pretty badly. It's not something I'm ready to get over, and forgive her for." "But you're planning on staying here...in town I mean? Do you intend to see Charlie again?" he questioned sternly. Joey looked back at him, "I'm not sure how long I'll be here for but yes for the time being I'm staying here. And yes I will be spending some time with Charlie over the next few days or weeks. She's asked me to help her recover from her injuries and it might not seem like the right thing to do--" "She what?" Angelo interrupted suddenly, "Charlie asked you for help?" Joey watched as his face fell, completely devastated that Charlie had chosen her to help her instead of him.
"Yes she did," Joey admitted, "Believe me I was surprised as you are. I didn't ask her to do this." Angelo stared at her severely, "But you still agreed to help her. She's my girlfriend, not yours, and I don't appreciate you trying to worm your way into her life." Joey shook her head, "I'm not trying to worm my way back into her life to win her back. That's not why I'm here. I'm not with Charlie anymore...and I don't...have feelings...for her anymore." Way to be convincing! I mean it's the truth...right? Angelo saw the look on her face, and knew instantly Joey was lying. "I want you to stay away from Charlie," Angelo threatened. "You can't be serious? Angelo it's not up to you how Charlie decides to deal with this and who she turns to. It's not your decision who she...chooses...to look after her. If you love Charlie, and she loves you, I'm not gonna stand in your way," Joey responded softly. "Well if that's the truth...I don't want you spending so much time around her...confusing her...she's happy now with me," Angelo tried to convince Joey...and himself. "I'm not just gonna abandon her again," Joey insisted. Angelo gave up, "Fine. You want me to accept that you're gonna be here, and be a part of her life again without me worrying what your real motives are? I will...if you do one thing for me...tell me you don't love Charlie."
Joey froze trying to open her mouth to respond, to tell Angelo what he needed to hear. She couldn't. And that terrified her. No this can't be...I can't still love Charlie. I mean I just...can't. She hurt me too much and I'll never be able to trust her again. I'm just helping her to be her...friend. We're just...friends. Oh God! I still love her Joey realized. Joey felt like the weight of the world was on her shoulders at the realization. He's right, she's the only thing in the world that matters to me. I'm still completely and utterly in love with Charlie...but she doesn't love me. Angelo looked down at the ground, the full force of Joey's silence hitting him. "You can't do it...can you? You can't tell me you don't love her?" Joey continued staring at everything but him.
Ruby smiled as she walked back to the pair, having overheard their last minute of conversation. And she couldn't have been happier as she watched Joey realize how much she still felt for Charlie. So she doesn't bother listening to me when I say it, but she believes it when Angelo questions her. Interrupting the tension between Charlie's flames, she made her presence known. "Hey Joey. Got some food, you ready to go see Charlie?" "Huh?" Joey finally looked up at her, "Oh right...look Rubes I'm not really in the mood anymore. Can you just tell Charlie something came up? I've gotta go." "Wait what? Joey you can't just take off because Angelo..." Ruby tried but Joey was already out of earshot. Turning to Angelo, she rolled her eyes, "Nice going Angelo. I'm sure Charlie will definitely choose you now," before turning and leaving Angelo to fume over Joey's silent confession.
Joey ran all the way home...well not home really. Brett's and her place will never be home. Home is where Charlie is. Storming in the front door, she made a beeline for her old room, but Brett stopped her in her tracks when she bumped into him in the living room. Brett had just grabbed another beer from the fridge, and smelt like alcohol and cigarettes. "Geez slow down, Jo what the hell's gotten into you?" he yelled. "Get outta my way Brett I'm not in the mood," she yelled back. Brett pushed her back again slightly, stopping her from walking around him. "What did ya little girlfriend break up with you again? Let me guess she screwed some guy again huh? Told you she hadn't changed. So why don't ya give up and find yaself a real guy who'll take care of you?" he insisted angrily. Joey sighed, "Damn it Brett I thought we had started to sort this out. Whatever you say or do is not gonna change who I am, I'm gay. Now get lost and leave me alone." "I'm not gonna just accept that. I'm not gonna put up with your lifestyle here. If you're not gonna change then get out," Brett threatened.
Joey rolled her eyes, "Give it up Brett. You can't kick me out. I'm twenty-one now, this place is half mine now remember. It was in our parents will that once I turn twenty-one we share ownership of this place...until we get sick of each other and one of us decides to buy out the other I suppose. Besides I thought you were taking off in a couple days. Didn't you say you'd changed your mind about following in Dad's footsteps and got yourself a job on a long haul trawler for a few weeks starting in a couple days?" Brett took a swig of his beer, and sat down in his chair in front of the television. Flicking it on, he looked back up at her, "Probably good timing if you're gonna stick around huh? Guess we can't put up with each other much longer. Though on the other hand..." "What Brett?" Joey eyed him suspiciously. "Well you're out of a job, we could use an extra set of hands, and doesn't seem like you have any...reasons to stay here. Why don't you come with us?" he asked out of the blue. Joey raised her eyebrow, "Didn't you just say we can't put up with each other? How's sticking us on a boat we can't escape from gonna help us?" "Just think about it Jo. Unless you got another reason to be here, why turn down a good job offer?" he asked.
Joey shrugged before heading off to her room. Throwing herself onto her bed, she screamed silently into her pillow. Arrggghhhhhhh! This cannot be happening. I cannot still be in love with Charlie! I've spent the last three months getting over her, and I'm back for one day and now...this is insane! She's with Angelo. It doesn't matter that he knows I still have feelings for her. He's her boyfriend, he loves her, and she hasn't broken up with him for you. How could I let this happen again? Falling for the girl when she so clearly doesn't feel the same way? Even if she does still have feelings for me...I don't know if I can ever trust her again. Maybe this isn't such a good idea, helping Charlie get better, spending time with her. She doesn't love me, so how can I possibly keep my feelings to myself without her knowing? Ruby's wrong about the way Charlie feels about me. She has to be...because if she's still in love with me...No Joey don't even go there! It's over between you. I can't let her do this to me again...I can't let her break my heart into a million pieces again. And there's nothing she can do that'll repair that. Maybe Brett was right. I can't go through this again. I can't stand by and wait around while Charlie decides if she wants to be with me...completely. But is taking off again gonna do any good? Or will I end up back where I am again in a few weeks? Still completely in love with a girl that'll never return these feelings again.
A few days later Charlie was packing her stuff into her bags, struggling to cope on the set of crutches she'd been given. "Okay, I think that's everything. Now all I need is..." Charlie looked down at the floor. "Need some help with those bags?" Joey asked quietly from the doorway. Charlie smiled as she looked up at the girl. "Hey. You came?!" she exclaimed surprised. "I said I would didn't I?" Joey replied nervously. Charlie's smile faded slightly, "Yeah I know you said you'd pick me up and drive me home...I just...I mean I haven't seen you the last few days. I thought you would've stopped by." "I know I'm sorry," Joey apologised, "I've just been caught up with some stuff and I know I should have called to tell you I couldn't come in and see you like I promised." Charlie nodded, "Yeah it's fine...I just...I missed you." Joey walked towards Charlie, wrapping her arm awkwardly around her waist and pulled her into a light hug. "I missed you too. Maybe when we get back to your place we can...talk...about things," Joey suggested. Pulling out of the hug, Charlie nodded in agreement. "Sure sounds great. Do you mind if we stop by the Diner first? I'm seriously craving some of Leah's apple pie. Wanted to pick some up on the way home, then we can go home...and talk...with some sugary goodness." Charlie smiled again when she realized Joey's arm hadn't left her waist. Joey picked up Charlie's bag, leading Charlie out of the room, as she hopped along slowly on her crutches. "Absolutely. That sounds nice."
After convincing Joey that she would be right to get in and out of the Diner herself, with her crutches and the pie, Charlie made her way slowly into the restaurant. Hopping up to the register, she moved in front of Leah. "Hey Leah," she greeted her housemate warmly. "Charlie, oh my God what are you doing here? Shouldn't you be at home all tucked up in bed?" Leah smiled. "No thanks Leah. I've been couped up in a hospital bed for days now. Been dying to get out. And now I'm dying for some of your apple pie," Charlie told her. "No problems. Just one piece?" Charlie smiled, "Two actually. Joey turned up this morning, she's waiting in the car now, we're gonna go back to our place and talk about...things." "I'm glad to hear she's back in your life. You've never been happier when she's around. I hope to see her later on then. I'm surprised I haven't seen her the last few days she's been back in town...but never mind. I'll be back in a moment with your pie," Leah said as she rushed off.
Charlie looked around the Diner, her smile fading when she noticed Angelo standing at one of the tables fiddling with his mobile. He looked up at her, and smiled when he saw her standing there. Charlie nodded it was okay for him to join her, realizing she also needed to talk to him. Besides what am I gonna do? Hop away from him, and hope he didn't see me? "How are you?" he asked as he joined her. "Pretty good," Charlie informed him. "Sorry I haven't called Charlie," he said simply. "So what stopped you?" Do I care what really stopped him? "Well with Morag at your place I didn't think it was appropriate for me to just drop in," he replied. "Right," Charlie nodded. Like he didn't know I've been in hospital this whole time. "I didn't want to hurt you Charlie. I didn't know what to say. I was confused, I didn't think I was ready to have another conversation yet," he admitted. "Are you ready now?" Well not now now because Joey's waiting for me, but he's in his work uniform, so I know he'll need to get back there soon. "Maybe I can come over after work," Angelo suggested. "Okay thanks that'd be good. I'll make sure we've got the place to ourselves," Charlie agreed. Leah returned with Charlie's order, smartly placing the box in a plastic bag Charlie could carry and still manage to use the crutches to exit the room. Angelo watched his girlfriend leave. Well that could've gone worse.
Joey paced in front of Charlie and Leah's house, trying to get up the nerve to walk into the house. Ruby watched her silently from the kitchen, before finally going up to the door and approaching Joey outside. "Hey you okay? Where's Charlie?" "Oh when we arrived she practically jumped out of the car and rushed into the house to go to the bathroom. Surprised to see her move so well on crutches. I was just...bringing in her bags from the car," Joey explained. "Is it strange?" Ruby asked. When Joey looked at her questioningly Ruby elaborated, "Being back here? You've been pacing outside for a little while like you're not sure you want to come in." Joey nodded, "Pathetic I know but this place holds so many memories...I'm not sure I'm ready to face yet." "Well I'm glad to see you here. Charlie was really worried that you wouldn't turn up this morning. She said you haven't been to see her since the other day," Ruby inquired. "I know. I had some stuff to deal with and...that's why I'm here to explain it to Charlie. What are you doing here anyway? Don't you have school?"
"Lunch break. Thought I should come welcome Charlie home since Dad and Morag went out for lunch today. They wanted to be here, but I wasn't sure how Charlie was gonna handle...telling them about you. I mean she has to tell them sooner or later, I just thought you two could use a little space," Ruby told her. "Didn't you just think that there was the possibility that I wouldn't turn up today?" Joey asked nervously. "Nope. I knew you'd come through in the end. Hey Charlz, how's your hip?" Ruby turned as she saw her sister in the kitchen. Charlie smiled at her, "Yeah its good. Thanks for being here Rubes, but I think you should get on back to school now. And Joey why don't you come inside?" Ruby walked into the kitchen, "Yeah I'm just heading back to school now with Xavier." She pulled Charlie into a hug before grabbing her school bag and heading off, "It's good to have you back sis!" Charlie winced slightly at Ruby's words which Joey noticed. "Hey you okay?" Charlie looked up at her, "Fine. Now are you gonna come in or not?" Charlie watched as Joey hesitated, before leaning over and taking her hand, "I know this must be difficult for you being back here but this is my home and I want you here. Don't be scared." Joey nodded and entered the house, dropping Charlie's bags on the floor, "You're right. Wasn't so hard."
A few minutes later the girls were seated at the table with cups of coffee in front of them, eating their apple pies. "So uh at the hospital you said some stuff came up and you needed to take care of it...I was just wondering what um...?" Charlie tried to ask without sounding desperate. Joey relaxed as she stared into Charlie's eyes. I realized I'm in love with you again...that's what happened. And I'm not sure I know how to deal with that when you don't feel the same way. "Right oh um well see the thing is...Brett kinda offered me a job. Turns out he doesn't mind working on boats like me and he's joining a short or ah...four week haul trawler leaving soon and asked me to come along," Joey confessed. "And did you say...I mean did you tell him..." Charlie panicked. I can't lose her again. Not before I get the chance to sort things out for us...once and for all. I've spent the last few days trying to work out my feelings for Joey and Angelo and...I still don't know. No I do know. But Joey doesn't feel the same way about me...she never will. I've never given her a reason to trust me. And if I can't be with her then...I need to start making an effort with...ugh Angelo. Some things just aren't meant to be...and Joey and I are one of those things.
"I told him I would think about it. Boat leaves tomorrow so I...I dunno Charlie. It's a really good job opportunity which don't come around often...and it's only four weeks," Joey stuttered. Only four weeks? Please tell me to stay, give me a reason to stay Charlie. Charlie sighed looking down at her cup, "Tomorrow? That seems so soon. I don't want to be selfish here but I thought...I mean..." "You thought that you'd asked for my help and now I'm walking out on you...again? I don't want to leave again. Summer Bay's my home, and I can't run forever," Joey stated. "Will you stay? If I ask you to?" Charlie asked anxiously. Joey looked into her eyes, "Are you asking me to?" "I'm asking," Charlie replied. "Then I'm staying," Joey smiled, touching Charlie's hand. Charlie returned the smile, "Thanks. I really need you...um to help me get through all this. I'm glad we've had this opportunity...to be friends. Maybe this whole closure thing is a good thing." Charlie leant forward embracing Joey in a hug...that lasted longer than required. Maybe this whole closure thing will get easier Joey thought.
"Hope I'm not...interrupting anything," Angelo stated sharply from the doorway. Charlie pulled away from Joey instantly. Joey tried not to look upset at the sudden loss of contact. "Angelo, you're early," Charlie pointed out. Early? So Charlie had expected Angelo. Of course he's allowed to be here...he's Charlie's boyfriend. And I need to start accepting that...she's moved on. Angelo moved swiftly beside Charlie, claiming his territory. "Yeah I know. Sorry but I couldn't concentrate at work. Thought we should just...talk about this now," he stated. "Um right sure. Joey do you mind...?" Charlie hated seeing the look of disappointment in her face. Joey swallowed her pride, "No it's fine. I should probably--" "No don't go. I just mean, if you can give me and Angelo a minute. Maybe you can go put my bags in my room, and I'll be there in a minute," Charlie clarified. Angelo stared at the two girls, as Joey made her way out to the living room, and Charlie's gaze followed her. Angelo hated himself for what he was about to lose. Charlie's still not ready to make a decision, but I can't keep fighting a losing battle. If Charlie's not ready to make the decision...I'll have to be the one to make it for her...but I'll give her one more chance to see if she will open up to me. Maybe she will choose me.
"Uh Morag's taken everyone out for lunch so we've got the place to ourselves...sort of," Charlie turned back to Angelo, standing up to get a drink out of the fridge. "Kay. I'm really sorry I haven't spoken to you the last few days. But I've been doing a lot of thinking about us," Angelo told her. "And?" Charlie pushed him. "And I just can't get past the fact that you didn't trust me enough to tell me about Joey," he reminded her. "It was a mistake and it won't happen again. Promise. I've been doing a lot of thinking too and I wanta be more open with you. I can be just give me a bit of time," Charlie found herself saying. The words were coming out of her mouth before she could stop them. What am I saying? Angelo's not the one I want to be more open and honest with. I'm just terrified of losing him because I don't want to be alone, so I'll say anything to convince him. "I honestly don't think you know how to Charlie," Angelo looked her in the eyes sadly. "You're not even gonna give me a second chance?" she asked weakly. "I love you," Angelo declared. When I said I'd say anything to convince him...I didn't mean I could say that. Angelo continued, "But I don't think you're ever gonna feel the same way about me, and I can't be with you knowing that. Sorry it's over."
Before Charlie could bat an eyelid, Angelo had walked out of the house. Charlie looked down at the floor, surprised to find tears well up in her eyes. Why am I crying? I didn't love him, and I'm not unhappy that he broke up with me. This doesn't make any sense. Charlie looked up to find Joey looking at her. Charlie tried to regain her composure turning back to the sink to wash some dishes, "Um Angelo's gone. He um..." "I know I heard. Sorry," Joey said softly. "It's fine, really." Joey walked up behind Charlie, slipping her arms around her waist and placed her head against Charlie's neck, comforting her. "You're crying," Joey pointed out. "No I'm just..." Charlie tried to explain. I'm just upset...because the wrong person told me they loved me today. And now here I am in the arms of the right person...the right person who will never say those words to me again. Why couldn't it be you Jo? Stop thinking like that, Joey doesn't feel that way about you anymore. She's here for closure, don't make things complicated for her. Joey breathed lightly against Charlie. It doesn't mean anything. So she couldn't say 'I love you' to Angelo. Doesn't mean she doesn't care deeply for him. Why else would she be here crying? She's moved on, she's straight and you need to move past this. Both girls didn't realize they were having the same thought next: Why can't we be together...because she doesn't love you.
**I'm mean aren't I? Well I never said they would find their way back together...just yet...
