"The Truth Hurts"

Rating: K+

Chapter Seven

Over half-hour later, Charlie, Ruby, and Joey were in Dr. Walker's consult room. When Sid walked in, looking at Charlie's medical file, he looked up eying Joey slightly. "Sorry do you mind waiting outside? I normally only allow family in with my patients," Sid stated friendly nodding at Ruby. Joey nodded in agreement, and started to head towards the door before Charlie grabbed her hand pulling her back to stand next to her, as she was seated on the bed. "Joey's staying here. I want her here...she's family," Charlie whispered sweetly. Joey returned the smile calmly, interlocking her fingers with Charlie. Ruby watched on happily. Sid looked down at the girls actions as he remembered, "Right Joey...Jo..." Charlie blushed as she realized that Sid had caught her saying Joey's name when she had awoken from the car accident. Now he knows who I was thinking about when I woke up. Charlie looked up at Joey smiling proudly. "Yep this is Joey," Charlie declared. See I couldn't care less what he thinks about us. I could get used to this. Joey and Ruby both eyed Charlie suspiciously. "I'll explain later," she decided.

Sid turned back to them, "So Charlie on a scale of one to ten how would you rate the pain?" "About a six," Charlie answered. "Hmmm. Were there any pelvic complications during your pregnancy?" Sid asked calmly. Looking away from Joey and Ruby's surprised looks, Charlie responded, "No I've never been pregnant." "Well that Caesar scar," Sid pointed out. "No I had annitrimonous (okay so that's probably completely wrong from what she actually said but that's all I could make out from the H&A scene so it'll do) when I was a teenager it's an extended laboratory scar not a Caesar," Charlie answered automatically. Sid looked at her hesitantly, "Right good. Well I'll write you up some pain relief and then we'll send you off for an x-ray." "Thanks," Charlie replied simply. "Won't be long," he stated as he left the room. "That's really funny--" Ruby started but Charlie interrupted, "Ow. God I should have asked him for something stronger." "Do you want me to run after him?" Ruby asked. "Yeah would you?" Charlie decided. "Yeah," Ruby agreed leaving the room. "Thanks," Charlie called out to her.

Joey turned to Charlie, continuing to entangle their fingers together. "Hey you okay? You seemed a little...um distracted especially when the Doctor said--" "I'm fine Joey. Leave it alone," Charlie stated harshly. Joey let go of Charlie's hand, "Sorry I didn't mean to..." Charlie scolded herself, "No it's my fault. I shouldn't have been so harsh." Ruby walked back into the room, "You two doing okay?" "We're...fine. I just snapped at Joey when I shouldn't have," Charlie admitted. "Charlie!" Ruby screeched. "It's fine Ruby really. Charlie's already apologised," Joey told her. "You got my meds," Charlie looked at Ruby. "It's all you can have until you've done your scan," Ruby handed them to her. "Thank you." Ruby turned to the girls, then looked up at Charlie, "Charlie don't you think it's a bit weird that two doctors in a row asked you about been pregnant?"

Wait what? They have? Joey thought. "Not really," Charlie insisted. "Well where's this scar? I haven't even noticed it before," Ruby realized. "It's on my bikini line and no you can't see it so don't ask," Charlie stated as she looked over to Joey watching the younger girl blush. Charlie also started to blush remembering that Joey had certainly seen her scar. Ruby rolled her eyes, "God do you two have to be obvious about what you're thinking about?! I get it Joey would have seen it when you were together. It's cute watching you both try to get your heads out of the gutter but don't be so obvious about reliving the good times you girls had." "Are you done Rubes?" Charlie pushed. "For now. It's just well you never told me you had some big operation," Ruby pushed.

"I did you were just too young to remember it," Charlie informed her. "I just think it's weird that two doctors would make the same mistake. Don't you Joey?" Ruby questioned. "Well it does seem a little strange but the Doctor accepted Charlie's answer," Joey pointed out before Charlie suddenly yelled, "Doctors aren't God Ruby, they don't know everything. They make educated guesses and sometimes they get things wrong." "Okay," Ruby concluded. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry I'm in a lot of pain and upset about Angelo it's probably better you don't talk to me now," Charlie stated looking away from Joey the moment she mentioned Angelo.

Why the hell did I just say I was still upset over Angelo. I couldn't give a stuff about him and now Joey probably thinks I'm not over him. Why couldn't I just be honest and say Joey is the one I'm upset about? Joey's the one I'm not over. Joey on the other hand, swallowed hard, trying to hold back the tears threatening to release. You heard her. She's not over Angelo. Stop thinking there might be some chance with her. "Okay I'll go get you some mags and a juice instead. Will that help?" Ruby suggested. "Thank you," Charlie replied sadly.

Ruby looked over at Joey who was clearly upset over Charlie's reactions. Doesn't Charlie see what she's about to lose if she doesn't be honest? "Hey Jo, want to come with?" "Sure," Joey answered quietly, still visibly disappointed at herself for falling head over heels back in love with Charlie. You knew this would happen the moment you stepped back into her life. Why am I so surprised? Why did I let myself back into this position and let her hurt me again? Charlie watched Joey depart with Ruby, two words ringing in her head: You idiot!

Once outside the room, Ruby pulled Joey aside. "Hey you okay?" Joey stared down at the floor, "Why wouldn't I be?" Ruby rolled her eyes, "'Cause Charlie can be a massive idiot sometimes and speak before she thinks." "Yeah well what else should I have expected? She still obviously has feelings for him. It's only natural she'd be upset about their break-up," Joey sighed. "Or maybe she's just trying to hide what she's really upset about. Maybe there's someone else she's not over," Ruby hinted. "Stop pushing Ruby. I know you think you know what's going on but it's not gonna happen. Charlie and I are over, and there's nothing you can do about it," Joey informed her sadly. "Ok I'll stop pushing. Why don't you go to the newsagency and get her some magazines, I'll grab her a juice from the cafeteria and catch up with you in a minute?" Ruby suggested. Joey nodded, walking off to the newsagency. When she was out of earshot Ruby pulled her phone out, and dialled a number. "Xavier it's me. Can you do me a huge favour?!"

Ruby walked up to Joey in the newsagency, "Find some mags?" "Yep did you get some juice?" Joey responded. Ruby held up the cup, "Sure did. Let's go pay for these magazines. Bumped into Sid, Charlie's getting the X-ray now so we've got some time to kill." Exiting the store, Ruby pointed to an empty table at the cafeteria. Sitting down opposite each other, Ruby took a quick sip of Charlie's drink. "Hey Jo, did you think Charlie was really weird before?" "Before what Rubes, Charlie's always weird," Joey tried to laugh off. "Just when the Doc mentioned about a pregnancy. She just seemed to get very defensive. That's not like Charlie," Ruby recalled. "Maybe it was a little weird. Maybe she's just a little uncomfortable talking about her injuries from the accident. Although...you mentioned that Dr Walker was the second Doctor to assume she'd been pregnant..." Joey remembered.

"Yeah it was right after the accident, before Dad, Morag and I went in to see Charlie," Ruby told her, "I just don't get it. I mean I know Charlie can be very closed off at times and shut people out but she wouldn't lie about something like that would she? Not to me, and I know she's lied to you in the past" and recently about the fact that she's 'over' you but she's really still in love with you! "but I really think she's trying to be more honest about things." "I know Rubes, and I appreciate how much she's changed but I will admit that I feel she is hiding something. There's just been a few small things she's said or done or even her expressions over the last few days and every time I call her on it she just says she's fine. I hope she opens up to me if she is hiding something because I feel like we are starting to get some trust back into our relat...friendship. And if she is lying to me then I don't think we'll survive it. If I can't trust her..." Joey trailed off.

"Don't think like that Joey. Charlie is trying really hard to sort herself out, and you're a big part of that by supporting her. And OMG I can't believe I forgot - how'd it go this morning with Dad and Morag? Were they totally cool that you two were together? Or did they not accept you girls were a couple? Do I need to stand up for you guys and tell my Dad how good you were together and how you're the best thing to ever happen to Charlie?" Ruby rambled. Joey smiled, "As cute as that would be hearing you tell them that, no it's not necessary. They took it pretty well...I think. Charlie kinda rambled and ranted for a few minutes about how much I mean to her and Ross can't stand in her way while we works things out, then Ross kinda told her that if she had of shut up he would've told her that he's okay with us being...I dunno whatever we are. I was really proud of her for standing up for us." Ruby watched on as Joey's smile slowly turned into a frown. "But?" Ruby pushed. "It's nothing just when Charlie told him about us she sort of said we 'are' together and that felt so amazing...and then she kind of ranted and raved and made it clear that we 'were' together and we're just friends. Then Morag had to make it more awkward by telling me later when we were alone that I should be reading the subtext of Charlie's speech and...I just got my hopes up for three seconds. Stupid of me," Joey admitted ashamed.

"It's not stupid Jo. You want her back right?" Ruby asked. Joey nodded sadly. "Then why don't you take a chance and tell her how you feel? Maybe Charlie was trying to tell you something in her little speech?" Ruby questioned. "Not gonna happen Rubes. Told you already, Charlie and I are over. Nothing can be done about that now. So it's time for me to move on and get over her," Joey made up her mind. "You know it's not that simple Jo," Ruby complained. "Well I'm making it that simple. I have to. I can't keep putting myself through this again. So as of this moment I'm over Charlie Buckton," Joey announced. Ruby grinned, "You so aren't over her! Say it all you like, you will never find someone you love more than Charlie. You know it's true. And if you think I'm gonna sit by and watch you pretend to move on you've got another thing coming Jo." Joey sighed heavily, "Okay fine so that didn't work. But it's bound to eventually." "If that's what you want to believe. C'mon let's go see how Charlie's doing," Ruby advised. The two girls got up from their table, and started to make their back to the Doctor's room.

"Well everything is okay but we think in the trauma you've torn this ligament here, just near the hip and that's what's causing the ongoing discomfort," Sid informed Charlie as he held up her X-ray pointing out the injury. "Right so will that go back to normal on its own?" Charlie questioned. "It should do. I'll prescribe you some anti-inflammatories and refer you to a physio," Sid answered. "Thanks," Charlie responded. "I'm sorry if I put my foot in it earlier," he apologised. "That's fine," Charlie stated. "So much for my smooth bedside manner. We both know that is a Caesar scar. Guessing you carried the baby to full term," Sid deducted. Charlie sighed, looking away from him, "Yes I was very young my pelvis was very small. Anyway I'm sure it's all in your notes it you checked." "Must have been very difficult," Sid commented. "Yeah it was," Charlie replied. "And your sister she doesn't..." Sid guessed. "My Dad's the only one that knows and that's the way I'd like to keep it," Charlie demanded. "Of course. Well you take your time," Sid told her as she started to get up off the bed. "Thanks," she said quietly.

"Hey Charlz how was the X-ray?" Ruby asked happily as she entered the room. "Fine. How long were you guys...I mean were you waiting out there long?" Charlie asked panicked. "Not long. Just came from the cafeteria, here's your juice," Ruby passed her the bottle. "Cheers," Charlie replied as she looked up at Joey, who was hesitating at the doorway. "Hey you. Sorry about before, I shouldn't have brought up Angelo. I'm not upset over him dumping me. I know he cared a lot for me, but I didn't...I didn't love him. I'm just...confused with everything that's going on with me right now. Angelo's simply a scapegoat and blaming him for my problems...seems easier," Charlie confessed. Joey walked slowly into the room, "It's okay. I believe you. Maybe we should forget about it." "Okay," Charlie nodded, "Well what are we waiting for? Let's get out of here and get back home."

Ruby smiled at the pair as Joey walked beside Charlie, slipping her arm around her waist, helping Charlie walk out of the room. "Charlz do you mind dropping me off at Xavier's on the way home? Morag and Ross are out with Martha, so you and Jo can have the place to yourselves for a while...to talk," Ruby insisted. "Sure that sounds...nice," Charlie agreed leaning further into Joey's embrace. "Sure I think that's what we both need. Let's get you home to relax," Joey insisted as they exited the hospital. Ruby shook her head as she followed them. What does it take to get these two to tell each other how they feel? Who would've thought it would be this hard to get them back together? Okay well now I know how Joey feels about Charlie...it's time to meddle. Step one was to find out their true feelings. Big tick in that column. Step two is already in motion...as long as Xavier did what I asked...and if Step two works...well there shouldn't be any more steps.

Joey leaned against the doorframe of the back door to Leah and Charlie's house, "Charlie would you just give me your key so I can open the door instead of standing here watching you fumble around with it? You've already dropped the key twice, and I know you're just trying to prove that you can cope with the crutches on your own but there's nothing wrong with asking for a little...help..." Charlie turned around as she finally got the door opened, saying proudly "There all done. Told you I could do it." "Yes I'm very impressed with the fact that it took you five minutes to open a door on your own. I've never managed that before. Wasn't it you Charlz that asked for my help?" Joey teased. "I asked you for help to get over my injuries not to do everything for me Joey. I can handle things on my own...it just takes longer," Charlie hopped into the kitchen on her crutches with Joey following her, "Good thing we dropped off Ruby before we got back here or she'd probably be laughing at us by now, and calling us a 'lil ol' married couple."

Joey shyly smiled at Charlie's suggestion, then agreed, "Well we do bicker a lot, you never listen to me, and despite all your huge faults I still can't help but..." "But what?" Charlie turned back to her. "Sorry I ah...what's with the picnic basket?" Joey nodded to the table. "Huh what picnic basket?" Charlie turned to the table, "I dunno. I know Morag and Dad were going out to lunch today with Martha, maybe they decided on a picnic." Joey noticed a note on top of the basket, reaching for it and reading out loud:

"Charlie & Joey. Ruby asked me to drop this off. You girls deserve some fun time after the last few days. Everyone's busy so you've got the place to yourselves. Enjoy! Xavier

P.S. Ruby said there's probably some champagne in the fridge but only one tiny glass Charlie, remember you're on meds.

P.P.S Charlie you owe Leah $30 for the picnic basket. Sorry didn't have any money on me"

Charlie shook her head, "Little cheapskate! Guessing he found our spare key outside...or he broke in." Joey smiled, "Aww c'mon it's sweet." "Sweet yeah but Rubes is only trying to..." Charlie started to say as Joey finished for her, "Trying to get us back together. Thought so. And we both know that's not gonna happen." Charlie looked away, moving to the cupboards to grab some glasses and plates, "No of course not. I'll talk to her, tell her that she can't always get what she wants." And neither can I. "She's just trying to be a good sister Charlie. You should be proud of her, that she's completely supportive of you," Joey reminded her. "I know. I'm glad she's such a good...sister. Look we can't let this food go to waste...especially since I'm paying for it, so whata ya say? Join me for some lunch?"

Charlie passed Joey a plate. Joey nodded taking the plate, "Sure sounds nice." Charlie grinned, "Well let's see what Leah put together for us." Charlie hopped back over to the table, opening up the basket. "Okay we've got sandwiches, apple pie, strawberries, chocolate...could Leah be more obvious?" Joey smiled, "Guess Ruby's not the only one trying to get their own way. At least they mean well. Do you want to eat this here? I don't think it's a great idea to take it down to the beach but maybe we could set it up in the living room, picnic style...unless that's too difficult for you with your injury?" Charlie shook her head, "I'll be right. Might need a hand getting off the floor once I'm lying down." "I think I can manage that. C'mon you bring the plates, glasses, and that champagne if you're up for it," Joey decided. "Nothing wrong with breaking the rules once for a few sips," Charlie smiled.

Shortly, the girls were lying down opposite each other on the living room floor, having moved the couch out of the way. The remains of the food and champagne as well as the picnic basket were scattered around them. Charlie looked over at Joey, "Tell me about it. When you left? What happened to you?" Joey blinked a few times, "Um not much really...I was just ah..." "Hurting? Because of me. How'd you get over it?" Charlie asked. When I work it out I'll let you know Joey thought. "Wasn't that hard," Joey started as Charlie grimaced. I knew it wouldn't have taken her long to get over me. It's exactly what you deserve. "I mean it was hard but I just worked a lot. Pretty much every waking moment I was working," Joey told her. "It shows. Being out there in the sun all day did well for you. I don't recall you having such a nice tan and strong muscles before," Charlie pointed out. Joey shrugged, "Things change. Besides we were on a boat in the middle of nowhere. What else did we have to do?" It was either that or let the memories and 'what-could-have-been' drive me insane.

Charlie nodded slightly, "Yeah I guess things do change. Sometimes for the better, sometimes not...you've changed too. In a good way I mean...except you have this scar now." Charlie reached out tracing her fingers lightly over Joey's eyebrow. Joey reached up towards the scar, as she realized what Charlie was talking about, her hand finding Charlie's fingers instead. Dragging their hands back in front of them, Joey motioned, "Oh...it's just a scar. It's not even that noticeable...I'm surprised you..." "What? Noticed a small dent in your eyebrow that wasn't there before? Like I don't remember what you looked like before you...," Charlie cleared her throat, "Did it hurt?" Joey nodded, "It was nothing. Just bashed my head into...actually I don't quite remember it well. Only reason it didn't hurt was I was too busy with the passing out. But I'm fine now. My co-workers cleaned me up, and now I've got this silly looking scar on my face, forever reminding me of what a klutz I am." Charlie grinned, "Maybe that'll teach you next time. So your ah co-workers...did any of them...or what I mean is did you...?"

Joey continued entangling her fingers with Charlie's, "No." Charlie eyed her, "You don't even know what I was gonna say." Joey closed her eyes for a few seconds, "Yeah I do...and no I didn't get involved with any of them. Or anyone while I was away. I wasn't ready for another relationship." Charlie hesitated, "Are you ready now? Or I um...I just meant that's one of the reasons my relationship with...ugh Angelo didn't work. I was trying too hard to make something work when it wasn't. I just didn't want to be lonely. Of all the terrible things out there, that's the only thing that terrifies me. That I'll end up alone." A few tears slid down Charlie's cheek, as Joey leant forward wiping them away. "You won't be. I get it, why you were with him, and trying too hard to make it work. If something's meant to be, it'll be, but if something's not meant to be, you can't force it. You just need to find the right person Charlie." I have! Charlie wanted to scream.

"You mean someone I can talk to about everything, laugh with, treats me with respect? Someone who's kind, loving, fun and also very attractive?" Charlie asked. Could you be more obvious about whom you're describing? Joey stared into Charlie's eyes, "Yeah and when you meet that person you'll know." Stop looking at her like that Joey – she wasn't describing you! Charlie sighed, okay not as bloody obvious as I thought! How can she not see how I feel? I feel like I'm wearing a huge sign saying 'dumbstruck and in love.' How can she not see that she's the one I want to be with? I have met the right person and "I do know." Oh crap did I just say that part out loud? "You do know what?" Joey whispered. "I guess I do know what it's like to meet that person. I have met the right person. It just...well the thing is..."

You're her! You're the right person. You're the one for me. How hard can it be to say a few tiny words?! "Charlie is there something you're trying to say because..." No don't. Don't offer up your own feelings for her. Make a total fool out of yourself when she isn't going to say you're the right person. Charlie leant forward, "Well the thing is...you never answered my question." Joey looked at her puzzled, so Charlie continued, "To be in a relationship? Are you ready for that?" Joey nodded hesitantly, "I think so." No I know so! I know you're the one I want to be in a relationship with! Charlie let a small smile creep from her lips. She thinks so! Okay doesn't mean she's ready for a relationship with you but it's a start...unless...God what if she just meant she's completely over me, and is ready to move on with someone who deserves her? What if she has absolutely no feelings for me? How can she not? I mean I know how bad things ended up but lying here next to her like this it's so relaxing and it feels...right. There's only one way to find out if she feels it too. Charlie took a sip of her champagne, here goes nothing - "Jo there's something I've been wanting to talk to you about..."

**Will Charlie tell Joey the truth? Find out next time...