Hey there! Thanks for the reviews!!! Great to see you actually like it! Eh this chapter's a little longer but I want to see if I can get 30+ reviews before I put another chapter up. Come on peeps you can do it! ;)

The whole Alex thing: I've had SO much fun writing her in hehe. Kind of expressed a bit of my personality in it, it was a bit flat I think before. I didn't have Alex from the OC in mind. Um she's actually related to someone in this….you'll find out. Meh not letting any hints out…as to what is to follow. Enjoy!!!!!!!!!!! ********************

[3 days later]

Charlie had been up early for a run, which took everyone by surprise, especially Leah. A question mark had been hovering above her head all morning. "Charlie's out running?" she'd asked in amazement when Ruby told her. "But I thought she didn't like to anymore because it reminded her of…" Charlie heaved for air as she came into the kitchen. Ruby and Leah both stared at her. "What's going on?" She asked them, eyeing their facial expressions. "Um we were….just talking about the fridge." Ruby stuttered. Charlie put a hand on her waist. "The fridge? Huh." Rubz I hope to god you never decide to be a criminal master mind, you're a terrible liar! Kinda cute though, you think I have no idea... "alright, I'm going to hit the shower." She pointed towards the bathroom.

THE FRIDGE??? Oh nice one Rubz..bravo! Nuh nuh NUH. Round of applause!

Both watched her walk into the living room, as soon as they had lost sight of her Ruby spun back round. "See! I'm telling you something is up." Leah was actually speechless. "So you honestly think there's something going between Charlie and this…Alex person." "I know I'm not legal yet, but that doesn't mean I'm stupid. Ever since she met her, she's cut the drinking, got up before any of us in the morning, hasn't had any mood swings lately, and…smiling all the time…" Ruby rolled her eyes. "What's going to happen when Joey arrives back?" She asked trying not to let on what she knew. Leah sighed. "I think that's something neither of us can answer unfortunately."

I can't believe Joey didn't come back the other day like she said she would. It's driving me nuts watching Charlie drive a Shelby mustang into a thorn bush, 100 km long. Ahhhh!

They both stood there, thinking thoughtfully, who knows what would happen?

*

Charlie was leaning against the counter waiting to make her order in the diner. "Your shirts undone." A whisper came up behind her. She panicked and felt the row of buttons down her top and sighed in relief. The figure moved to the side of her, expressing a rather big grin. Charlie felt her cheeks burning, as she realised who it was. "Ah I got you!" Alex was officially satisfied. "Your face was priceless." Charlie giggled in embarrassment. Watson came over after talking to Alf. "I'm sorry Charlie I…" She studied Charlie who had a grin as big as Alex's. "Oh god, what have I done?" She said out loud, both laughed.

"So….whatcha getting?" Alex focused her attention to the food choice. "Well I was thinking about a salad." She turned towards her. Alex shook her head, Charlie frowned a little, confused. Alex continued staring at the menu. "Ah a sandwich?" "mmm." Alex shook her head again. Charlie sighed, but smiled. "A chocolate muffin?" She turned again towards Alex who stared straight back at her, smiling. Charlie laughed. She's honestly as bad as Ruby! "What can I get you two?" Irene came up to them. "Sorry for the wait." "Um two chocolate muffins please." Charlie tried to contain her smile. "Oh Charlie you shouldn't have!" Alex touched her arm, winking.

They took their muffins and headed out for the beach. Surely this was innocent enough? She thought.

*

Joey felt really bad that she hadn't kept her promise to Ruby. It seemed now that the longer she put it off, the harder the whole thing became.

I am so gutless, I really am! I've dumped this all on Ruby, which isn't fair on her at all. I'm just desperately, wanting these bruises to heal before I see Charlie, this is so messy. If she sees them, her cop instinct is going to tell her to ask why, which means I'll have to explain EVERYTHING. I just need a couple more days.

She met up with Alf, just out side the surf club. "Hey Joey, I didn't know you were back in town!" He came towards her. She smiled awkwardly. "Aw that looks like some nasty beating you took there." He studied her eye. "Could you keep it to yourself for a bit, I just want it to heal I guess before I make a reunion with people." He nodded. "Can I do anything for you?" "Well I was wondering if you needed any help with your boat at all. I've been looking for work around that's low key, no luck so far." He pondered for a bit. "Well I'm not looking for workers as such, but would you be willing to take the boat out with inexperienced couples perhaps, maybe teach them a bit about boats?" Joey lit up, nodding. "Is that a yes then?" Alf laughed. "Totally, yeah I'd love to." The light in her eyes… He thought. "Great, you can start tomorrow." Joey hugged him, expressing appreciation for his kindness. She parted and let him go on his way.

At least something's looking up... She walked to the wooden fence over looking the beach.

*

"HEY! YOU FINISHED YOURS, YOUR NOT HAVING MINE!" Charlie shouted, trying to grab her muffin back. Alex giggled out of breath from running around like a four year old. She plonked herself down, surrendering to her. "I'm innocent officer!" Charlie heaved for air, laughing. "Innocent my ass!" "What about your ass?" Alex smiled, Charlie tried to frown but made a failed attempt. "So I'm still waiting for you to explain this COMPLICATED relationship, you're apparently in." Charlie stared out to sea and bit her lip, a visible bruise was appearing. "I had feelings for Joey. I knew I did, but I was scared of being outed I guess, I had never seen myself as gay before. We were both dealing with problems with her brother, who had filed a complaint against me, saying I had influenced her and had abused my position as a cop. It all sent me flying over the edge. I drank a bit too much one night and in desperation, I..." "Slept with some guy?" Alex finished for her. Charlie nodded, the guilt still thrashing against her rib cage. "Basically yeah." "But you said this was about work…or something." Alex persisted. Charlie turned towards her. "Jo works on boats, she was offered a 3 month job, and she took it. She said that this time would give us both the opportunity to see if we really wanted this. Personally I think she was just so disgusted with me, she didn't want to be around me anymore." Alex put her arm around, and hugged her. Charlie wasn't sure, but the comfort she received felt alluring.

"What about you then?" Alex scrunched up her face. "Guys just never…..did it for me! That's the brutal truth. I've always had a lot of male friends, but when ever it developed into a relationship………it just didn't work. And I'd just end up wanting my friend back, which rarely happened." Charlie smiled. "What?" Alex frowned now. "I'm thinking it has something to do with your massive ego?" Alex snorted. "Who moi?" Massive ego phfft!

*

Ruby spotted Joey outside the surf club. Now I'm going to find out what's going on! She marched over to her. "Joey!" Oh bugger, crap…shit bag…….just smile. She spun around. "Where the hell have you been? Do you have any idea how stressed I've been about all this?" "Ruby I am SO sorry! Really…I….when Charlie wasn't there that evening all sense blew straight out of me. I decided I wanted these bruises to heal before I see her. I really don't want to have to explain about how they got there…..to anyone. Charlie being a cop…." She shrugged. "Joey she's going to MURDER ME when she finds out!" "She's not going to find out, I'll confront her soon….I..I promise!" Joey begged. "Seriously Jo, what's going on? I care about you, are you in trouble?" Ruby searched in her eyes for an answer. "Ruby I'm fine, I just need time that's all." Ruby sighed. "Well those bruises say it's not all hunky dory like you make it out to be!" "It just looks worse then it is." She assured her.

Ruby noticed Charlie and Alex in the distance. They look a little too close for it to be innocent, what the hell is Charlie doing????! Joey frowned at her expression, and wanted to see what she was staring at. Ruby flipped out of her trance. "NO! Ah JOEY………there's something I have to tell you!" She had grabbed her by both arms and looked overly stressed. Joey was a little stunned. "Wwhat?" she said cautiously. "I ah.." Think Ruby, think. This is going to be a surprise for both of us! Mmmph! "I…." Joey was waiting and beginning to get suspicious. "La la la, dun da dun da da!" She began dancing in front of her, unaware Colleen and Aden were watching. Joey was speechless. "Ruby?" She bellowed to get her attention. "Have you taken your happy pills today?" Ruby nodded slightly. Noticing that Charlie and Alex were no where to be seen she scooted off, leaving Joey just as bewildered as her.

What has got into young Ruby? She's officially lost her marbles. Colleen was still staring by the door.

*

Alex had walked Charlie home, she had insisted. But after much debate with herself, she had given in. Alex had simply done nothing more then a friend would do. She had waved good bye and had headed in for a shower.

The water was splashing down on her, and trickling down every side of her. She leaned her head against the bathroom wall, her head was pounding.

Why can't I think straight? Ever since I met Alex, I've been happier, but does that mean I'm over Joey? Have I just simply been missing that female bond I had with her? It WAS just Joey. Does this make me completely gay? Am I into Alex I mean she's good looking but there certainly isn't the same spark I had with Jo. Fuck my head is spinning out of control! I know what Ruby's thinking, I know she doesn't approve…. But what do I want?

*

"You keep looking over here and I'm gonna have to charge!" She indicated to Hugo at the doorway, without turning to him. "Eh sorry, didn't mean to. You're new round here." Alex snorted. "That must make me fresh meat then huh?" Hugo blushed a little and sat beside her. Wow she's certainly confident with herself! "Can I get you anything Hugo?" "Ah just a beer mate, thanks!" "And for yourself love?" Alf turned to Alex. "Milk." She said brightly. Hugo laughed. "Oh you're serious, sorry." He mumbled. "Make that CHOCOLATE milk." She winked at Alf, who broadened his smile. "Coming right up!" "So you seeing anyone?" Hugo decided he'd dive in there before others had a chance. Alex sat back and studied his face. I already don't like him….ah but I think I'll tag him along….this'll be fun! She smiled at him. "No not at this moment in time." "What kind of work do you do?" She grew an itch she had to get rid of. "mmm…………………….I'm a prostitute." She smiled and took a swig of milk, just as Hugo started coughing and spluttering. He cleared his cough with a thump to his chest. "Wow…ah….really?" She nodded quite happily. "Any chance we have something in common?" She asked, trying to keep a straight face. Hugo bit his lip, and thought for a second. "You know….I don't know." He said thoughtfully. "pphhft!" She threw her hand in the air "there must be something." She pretending to be deep in thought. "Do you like sports?" "Not so much." He eyed her cautiously. "How about…..Chinese food?" He shook his head. "Women?" He pointed at her. "Nailed it!" She laughed over enthusiastically. "NO WAY…..MEEE TOOO!" Jumped up excited clapping her hands. Hugo backed off a bit, speechless.

Watson came up behind. "What's going on?" She eyed Hugo's worried face and Alex who was starting to laugh. "Oh we're just having fun." Watson rolled her eyes. Hugo made an extremely quick exit.

"So dare I ask what you were this time?" Alex smiled uncontrollably. "A prostitute." Watson sighed. "Can I ever take you out any where?" "nuhuh." Alex replied. "First a tissue folder, then an explosive expert, then a slurry mixer, then a mail handler, which of course sounds like…MALE HANDLER, then a shop lifter, then a nobel prize winner, then a nun, and now a prostitute?" Watson paused. "How can I tell anyone you're my half sister?" Alex shrugged. "Guess you just got lucky!" She winked.

Joey walked into the surf club and ordered a drink. She noticed Watson over in the corner with a blondie winking at her.

Oh my god! I had no idea she was gay! Joey eyed the two who were laughing over something.

Alex caught her stare. "Looks like we have an audience." She pointed out. "I wonder why….prostitute." Watson teased. She turned in her chair and saw Joey. She waved for her to come over and join them. She really didn't want to but it would be rude if she didn't. She walked over with her drink and sat down.

"I had NO idea you were back already!" Watson sounded a little excited, even though they didn't really know each other. "Yeah got back a few days ago, just been lying low." "I can see why, that's a bitch!" Alex indicated to the bruise. "Ah it's nothing." Yummy….Alex thought silently. Woah! She's even got a little scar on her cheek, that's seriously sexy. Watson ignored Alex and her rude stare. "Have you seen Charlie?" Joey shook her head. "No not yet." Watson suddenly worked things out in her head. "Right." "HELLO EARTH CALLING Wattie!" Alex nugged her. "Are you going to introduce us or what?"

I seriously would not have paired them together, meh, what ever floats her boat. Joey thought.

"Sorry!" Watson snapped out of her fazed thoughts. "Alex….Joey….Joey….Alex." She said smiling. Joey smiled putting her hand out to Alex. Alex didn't move.

Joey…as in..? Heh… FUCK!