Chapter Seven

Back in Present Day...

Joey sat in her bunk, puzzling over what to write to Charlie. David's news had surprised her to say the least and confused her even more. If Charlie didn't love her, why had she been waiting for her? And if she did love her, why had she sent her letter back unopened? And Joey was sure it had been her ex-girlfriend's handwriting. Sighing for the millionth time, Joey twirled her pen around in her hands and began to write.

A few days later, Ruby knocked on Charlie's door. Charlie opened up half dressed in her uniform. Her hair was still down and she was buttoning up her shirt.

"Hey," she greeted. "Are you alright? I'm in a bit of a hurry."

"Yeah, I'm okay but... um..."

She offered up a small envelope.

"What's that?" Charlie asked, grabbing a hair band.

"I think it's from Joey," Ruby said.

Charlie stumbled back until she was sitting on the edge of her bed. Ruby came to perch beside her.

"I wasn't sure if I should give it to you," the teenager admitted. "I know you're trying to move on with Angelo and everything."

Charlie nodded. After their temporary blip a few days ago, she and her boyfriend had made up and things were going well again. Charlie had just about managed to explain that she cared a lot for him and she wanted to be with him. She just wasn't ready to do things with him that reminded her of Joey. It didn't feel right somehow. Ruby offered out the letter and Charlie took it, studying Joey's handwriting and feeling her heart lurch. Ruby patted her gently on the shoulder and told her she'd leave her to it. When the door was shut, Charlie took a deep breath and opened the envelope.

Joey was working hard and enjoying the sunshine but, as usual, her mind wasn't far from Charlie. She wondered if she'd received her letter yet. Would she return it like she had the last one? Would she bother to read it this time? Would she reply? She shook herself out of her thoughts. There was no point dwelling. She just had to get on with things and hope that something good would come out of her decision to try and contact Charlie for the final time.

Charlie's heart raced as she settled down to read Joey's letter. Before focussing on the words, she took a moment to smell the paper, to breathe in any hint of contact with the woman she loved. Forgetting all about Angelo, Charlie sat rigid on the edge of her bed and began to read.

Dear Charlie,

Forgive me if this letter is clumsy. I don't really know what to write, to be honest. I'm feeling so confused right now and I don't understand what's going on.

My boss, David, told me today that when the trawler pulled into Summer Bay, you were there. He said you had roses and you were asking after me. Why did you do that? I thought, after you sent my first letter back to me, that you didn't want to see me again. That's why I left the boat early. I didn't want to have to spend a day and a night hanging around town, knowing that you were so close and yet so far. I just couldn't bear that, Charlie. It was too much for me.

I was so hurt when you sent my letter back to me. You didn't even bother reading it. Do you hate me that much? I know you were hurt when I left but I thought you understood why. And I thought the idea was that we would see each other again in three months and try to figure out where we stood. But then, when you rejected me, I thought that said it all.

So, I don't understand why you were there on the docks that day. Were you just trying to rub it in or something? Hurt me that little bit more? That just doesn't sound like the Charlie I know and love. But then, I guess the Charlie I know I love wouldn't be so heartless in the first place. Oh, I just don't know what to say to you right now, Charlie. I don't even know if I will or should send this. I'm just so confused.

Please can you just send me a note back to explain to help me try and move on? If I know what's going on with you then maybe I can begin to let you go. I know that I will always love you and that's not something I think I'll ever be able to shake. But maybe I can find some peace if you'd just be able to explain what's been happening for the last four months. If you love me, why did you reject me? And if you don't, why were you waiting for me to come back?

I hope you're keeping well and happy.

All my love,

Joey

xxx