"How long do you think they'll be?" Aden asked the question that played on everyone's mind. "Hopefully not too long" Morag had hoped this for another reason too. "I think our case is secure and it shouldn't take them long to realise that."
"I saw one of the jurors crying when you where on the stand Jo." Ruby had thought this might be a comforting statement to show Joey that they were on her side. That was until she had said it out loud and realised that it was probably the hardest part for Joey.
Joey smiled at Ruby, "she wasn't the only one crying," Joey tried to tease Ruby. "Mm well you were hurting and you're my friend and well…" "thank you Ruby." Joey cut in on Ruby's rambling. "Actually I'd like to thank all of you for being so supportive and caring over the past few months. You have been there for me and well I just wanted to say thank you no matter how the trials ends, I just wanted you to know how grateful I am." A tear rolled down her cheek.
"Joey you don't need to thank us!" Aden spoke gently.
"Yeah you'd do the same for us!" Ruby added.
"No you guys don't know how much you mean to me. You are like my family. I know I've only been back a few days but you are the best thing that's ever happened me… well after Charlie of course." She smiled in Charlie's direction. Charlie was sitting beside her like she had the day before with her arm around Joey's shoulder, Charlie leaned forward and kissed Joey. "No you are the best thing that has ever happened to me. You have made me happier than I ever thought possible." They gazed into each other's eyes and kissed again. Joey took her eyes off Charlie and turned to Morag and thanked her for all her help and support. She told her how no other lawyer could have helped her like she had. Morag replied as only she could and told Joey it was her pleasure to help her.
Just then Morag's phone rang and she excused herself from the table. All eyes expect for Joey's followed her and watched Morag like a hawk. Joey noticed how everything had gone quiet and looked at Charlie whose eye's were fixed on Morag and filled with worry. She looked at the rest of the table and their entire eye's were also filled with concern and worry and fixed on Morag. "What's going on Charlie?" Charlie broke her stare form Morag and looked at Joey. She could sense Joey knew something was up and she couldn't lie to Joey even if she had wanted to. "Who's that man talking to Morag?" Aden had timely interrupted Joey's quizzical stare at Charlie. They both looked towards Morag. They observed Morag hanging up the phone and speak to the man. Morag was nodding her head and look over towards the table. The man walked away and Morag returned to the table. "Who was that?" Charlie enquired. "It was one of the courts Clerks… the jury are back." She looked at Joey.
"But… but… it hasn't been that long." Ruby struggled to get the words out.
"Yes I know but hopefully this is a good sign. We better get back." She picked up her briefcase and turned to walk out the door. Ruby, Leah and Aden followed. Charlie and Joey were last to get up. Charlie grabbed Joey's hand and began to walk forward but Joey stood still. Charlie sensed Joey had stopped as she felt like she was pulling Joey. She turned around instantly and looked Joey in the eye's "its ok Joey. Like Morag said this is a good sign." She smiled at Joey "let's go watch them sentence him." Joey wasn't smiling back she went to hug Joey but Joey took a step back.
"What are you keeping from me Charlie?"
"What do you mean?"
"I know when you are hiding something. You couldn't take your eyes off Morag when she was on the phone, none of you could."
"I promise I will tell you everything after the verdict." Charlie tried to be reassuring.
"No Charlie I want to know now." She looked deep into Charlie's eyes and pleaded with Charlie to tell her.
"I can't… I promised… I will"
"Charlie tell me now." Charlie knew Joey was stubborn and meant business which made Charlie worry about losing her.
"It's… it's dad… he took a turn this morning… he's being transferred to our hospital so we can be close by… he should be here this evening."
"WHAT? Why didn't you tell me?" Joey frowned with discontentment in her eyes.
"He made Morag promise that we would see you through this first and not to worry as he would be ok. We didn't want anything to distract you"
A tear made it's way down Charlie's cheek, finally telling Joey had caused her to loss control of her emotions.
"Oh Charlie, I love you for trying to be there for me but who was supporting you?" she dried the tear from Charlie's cheek.
"I was ok" Charlie tried to defend the reason behind not telling Joey and not leaning on Joey for support. "Can we talk about this after Robbo is sent to prison?" Joey leaned in and gave Charlie a kiss. "I truly do love you." She smiled at Charlie. "This conversation isn't over and after the verdict we are going straight to see your dad. Ruby and Morag must be sick with worry too." Charlie put her arms around Joey and sunk her head into Joey shoulder and let Joey comfort her. It was all she wanted in that moment. Joey squeezed Charlie tight and kissed her forehead. Charlie raised her head. "I love you too Joey Collins, we should really get going though before Morag sends out a search party." This time Joey grabbed Charlie's hand and they began to walk out of the cafeteria and down the hall into the courtroom.