Chapter Seven

After dinner on Sunday night, Joey began to fret about starting work the following day. She headed into the bedroom to plan her clothes. Charlie finished the dishes and followed her. She quietly observed Joey laying her new jeans and t-shirt out on the bed. Joey turned to face the mirror. She scowled at her face and then fiddled with her hair, obviously trying to decide whether to put it up or have it down. Letting go of it, she opened a drawer and pulled out a little, black beanie. It was an item she had always loved but Roxy had refused to let her wear it some years ago. She tried it on and studied her reflection critically, wondering if Charlie would mind her wearing it.

"You look adorable," Charlie smiled, stepping further into the room.

Joey jumped in surprise. She hadn't realised Charlie was watching her. She blushed.

"You like it?" she asked.

"I love it," Charlie said. "It suits you."

"I used to wear these all the time but…"

"Roxy didn't like them," Charlie concluded.

Joey nodded. She took the hat off and returned to her clothes, pondering shoes.

Charlie perched on the edge of the bed.

"You're going to look gorgeous tomorrow," she said. "Well, to be fair, you look gorgeous every day."

Joey giggled. She folded her clothes away. Charlie got up and opened the drawer of her bedside table. Joey watched her rummage around curiously. Charlie turned around holding a jewellery box. She pulled Joey on the bed beside her.

"I got you a good luck gift," Charlie ventured.

She handed the box to Joey, who glanced at her and then down at the box. Lifting the lid, she saw a sterling silver necklace in the shape of a phoenix. The wings and tail fanned out like flames and the necklace hung on small leather chain. Joey beamed, looking back at Charlie, unsure of what to say.

"It's a phoenix," Charlie said, as if she didn't know. "It was the image I had of you in my head – healing from all that had gone before, rising from the ashes, living your life again."

Joey just stared at her. Charlie's nerves increased.

"I'm sorry. It's a crap present. It seemed like such a good idea at the time. I'll get you something else."

She attempted to take the necklace back but Joey wouldn't let her.

"I love it," she said. "Thank you."

Charlie broke out into a smile. She let go of the box.

"Will you put it on for me?" Joey asked, lifting the jewellery from the box.

Charlie nodded, accepting it and crawled behind Joey so that she could fasten it round her neck from behind. Once it was secure, Charlie leant closer to kiss the back of Joey's neck. Joey smiled at the feel of Charlie's lips gently and tenderly on her skin. Charlie softly kissed along her neck. Joey let her hair fall back down and turned her head. Their lips gently connected.

"Do you really see me that way?" Joey asked.

"I can't think of a more perfect description of you, of how strong you are. You're going to get through everything that's happened to you Joey. I know you are. I'm already proud of you for everything you've achieved so far and I know this is the just the beginning."

Joey kissed her again.

"I'm never going to take this off," Joey told her when they parted.

Charlie smiled.

"You really like it?" she asked.

"I really do."

Charlie moved to lie back against the pillows, taking Joey's hand and guiding her to come and lie in her arms.