"Two Years, Four Months & 27 Days"
Rating: K +
Hey all. Thanks for all your reviews. Not too much hate mail there so I'm thankful lol. But yes I knew the end of the last chapter would shock everyone. It was kinda fun actually seeing how you all reacted.
But yes the truth is Joey really is married. Yes she certainly has been keeping some secrets, but she may not have necessarily been lying when she told Charlie there was 'no one special' in her life. So I might not be going down the 'Joey's suddenly straight' storyline. You'll just have to keep reading to find out.
Don't expect answers straightaway, this chapter's more about Ruby and Aden's reaction, and if Joey will lie to Charlie again, or tell her the truth.
Keep the reviews coming!
'Til next chapter, enjoy reading!
Chapter Four
Charlie pulled up her car around the corner from Joey's workplace. Getting out she walked up to the store, and met Joey who was just locking up the front door. "Hey, how was the rest of your day? Didn't get involved in any other robberies while I was away?" Joey smiled, "Oh you'd be surprised how dangerous a store like this can be. So did you do your job and catch the bad guys?" "Hell yeah we did!" Charlie told her, "Right after this store, they hit that petrol station two blocks down from here. Didn't make it out of that one so easy. Especially with the Security Guard outside the shop. So you're all safe now." "Good to know, and thanks, you know for doing your job. Protecting the public," Joey thanked her.
The two girls walked over to Charlie's car. The drive back to Charlie's place was still a little uncomfortable after where their last conversation ended. They mostly talked about Ruby and Aden, or their jobs. Avoiding their personal lives as best they could. Charlie was afraid of pushing too much, too soon. Joey had been through a lot that day – for the last two years – and Charlie didn't want to destroy any trust Joey still had in her. But Charlie still felt a connection with Joey, the same connection that gave her to strength to admit her feelings for Joey, and acknowledge her sexuality.
Joey could sense all her feelings for Charlie rushing back at her. It scared her, knowing how they had ended things two years ago, and yet here she was, and I still can't walk away from her. Joey knew that it would be a mistake rushing back into a relationship with Charlie. She had her own baggage to deal with first, without bringing Charlie into it. But if we're both ready, then maybe it could work. Maybe we'll get our happy ending. Joey's thoughts were interrupted as Charlie parked the car. Walking up to the apartment, Joey hesitated, "What if they hate me? Ruby and Aden, they didn't react well when I left." Charlie grabbed her hand, "Trust me, they could never hate you. I could never hate you. We all understand why you left and we just want to get to know you again. See where things go." "Ok," Joey agreed, following Charlie up to the apartment.
A few minutes earlier, Ruby and Aden were seated on one of the sofa seats together. Nathan sat opposite them on the couch. They weren't sure about inviting him in; knowing Charlie and Joey were expected shortly. But they wanted answers before they got home...they were just too stunned by who Nathan was, they struggled to ask the right questions. Nathan finally interrupted the silence, "Look if it's not ok for me to be here I can go. Catch Joey at home tonight. I heard about what happened at the store today and I was just worried about..." Ok seriously what is wrong with this pair? They're staring at me like I should have a death wish. "Your wife?" Ruby finished for him.
Ruby was pissed off. How the hell could Joey be happily married to this guy? I mean sure he's cute and well-built and...a guy! There must be some explanation! "I'm sorry," Ruby said, "I still don't get the whole wife-husband thing." Nathan stared down at the wedding ring on his finger, then looked up at her, "Well that's generally what you call each other when you get married. I'm sorry am I missing something here? It just sounded odd when Joey called me this arvo to tell me she was coming here for dinner with you. She's never mentioned you guys before." "Funny could say the same thing about you!" Ruby snapped.
Aden took hold of Ruby's hand, "Rubes, maybe you should calm down for a moment. Why don't we go get some drinks? Beer ok with you mate?" Nathan nodded, as the pair got up and walked into the kitchen. What the hell have I just walked into? Nathan thought.
Aden pulled Ruby aside, "Hey you ok?" Ruby pulled him into a hug, "No I'm not. This doesn't make any sense. Charlie mustn't know. When she called this morning she was so happy that she'd run into Joey, and then she called to say Joey was coming to dinner. She sounded so excited. How could Joey lie about this? This is huge. She's married, and the guy has absolutely no clue about who Charlie is, let alone who his wife is."
Aden pulled her out of the hug, but held her close. "I know ok. But it's not our place to say anything to him. We don't have the right to judge Joey for the decisions she's made since she left Summer Bay. People change Rubes. Look at me, wasn't too long ago people thought I was an arrogant jerk. So if she's happily married now, then we need to help Charlie accept this," he insisted. "Great that's just what we need more of! Drink-binging Charlie back on the scene, ready to pounce into the first relationship that comes her way to drown out her problems!" Ruby argued. Sighing, she gave up. "Ok fine, we'll do this your way. We'll play nice, until Joey gets here and tells us what's going on." Aden kissed her on the forehead, "That's why I love you so much."
Grabbing some beers from the fridge, they walked back out to the living room to join Nathan. Nathan thanked Aden when he passed him a bottle. Ruby sat back down, "Sorry about before. I was just a little thrown when you introduced yourself. We haven't seen Joey in a long time, and I guess I didn't think she was the marrying type." Nathan shook his head, "That's fine. You're certainly not the first person to say that. So where do you guys know Joey from?" Aden hesitated, but told him, "We met her a few years back in Summer Bay. She was working there for a few months, and we became great friends with her. So did Charlie."
"Charlie," Nathan repeated, "I think Joey mentioned her once before." "That's surprising," Ruby commented. Before Nathan could question Ruby's attitude further, voices from outside the apartment interrupted them. Female voices, laughing happily. The front door unlocked, and the two girls walked into the apartment. Ruby and Aden got up to welcome Joey back. When Joey saw her two friends before her she nearly jumped into their arms...but her heart skipped a beat when she noticed Nathan standing behind them. "Oh my God, Nathan, what are you--?" What is he doing here? How did he know – of course he knew moron, you told him you'd be meeting friends at this address tonight! Oh God, Charlie!
Charlie looked up, surprised that Joey was staring at the guy standing behind her sister and Aden. Nathan? Who's he? Why is Ruby looking at me sadly...and glaring at Joey? And why is Aden leaning over and handing me a beer? I don't want to get drunk tonight when Joey's here! What's going on? Before she could get an answer from anyone, Nathan strode forward, wrapping Joey in a hug. Charlie was instantly jealous. Joey pulled out of the hug, "Relax Nate, everything's alright." "I know but you still scared me when you told me what happened today, that's why I had to stop by tonight, make sure you're safe," he replied, holding her hands.
Joey looked behind him at Ruby. She knows. She hates me. If I don't tell Charlie now, Ruby will beat me to it. Best it comes from me. I deserve the wrath-of-Charlie not Ruby. This is going to devastate her when she finds out I've been lying to her. After all the pain she caused me when she lied, and now I've gone and done the same thing. Only a million times worse. I'll never have another chance with her. Turning around to face Charlie, her smile faded. "Char-Charlie I need you to meet Nathan," closing her eyes not able to bare the look on Charlie's face, she finished, "My husband."