Well, here we are 25 chapters in and at the end of this journey that was originally only meant to last one chapter You guys who reviewed made this story happen! Rhyleigh - Glad you loved it! Bethers - No violence to speak of in this one - just a few convincing threats... Lil - Thanks once more for all your support of this fic! I know you love it but I've got quite a lot coming up in my other fics that I really wanted to concentrate on them. I'd have hated to continue this fic while concentrating on them and ruin this fic in the process. Better to end on a high I say! No sorry Angelo doesn't get eaten by a shark but feel free to think of that yourself as the real conclusion! Kim - All good things in time...and I'm glad to have proven you right for once in one of my fics! Kirsty - More violence against Angelo requests from you - I'm sensing a theme here that you like Angelo getting his ass kicked by either of 'our' girls! LUVS IT! JSCO - Always hoping for a happy ending - well maybe I'll give you one here for once... AuthorW - Yes sadly this story does have to end :) It's been a great ride but I've got a few other ideas in mind for fics and will hopefully be back with another one or two in the near future... Oniz - Haha there's definitely more gay in the bay here than H&A have the guts to show! .com/watch?v=YX8HiUh2uWw Once again thanks for all your support! Here's to all CJ fans! "First Time"
"We're both looking for something Looking at you, holding my breath, I'm feeling alive all over again, Well maybe I'm wrong, The world that I see inside you Looking at you, I'm feeling alive all over again We're crashing
That we've been afraid to find
It's easier to be broken
It's easier to hide
For once in my life, I'm scared to death,
I'm taking a chance, letting you inside.
As deep as the sky that's under my skin
Like being in love, she says
For the first time
But I'm feeling right where I belong
With you tonight
Like being in love
Can feel for the first time
Waiting to come to life
Waking me up to dreaming
Reality in your eyes
Holding my breath,
For once in my life
I'm scared to death,
I'm taking a chance,
Letting you inside.
As deep as the sky that's under my skin
Like being in love, she said, for the first time
Maybe I'm wrong, I'm feeling right
Where I belong with you tonight
Like being in love to feel for the first time
Into the unknown
We're lost in this
But it feels like home
I'm feeling alive all over again
As deep as the sky that's under my skin
Like being in love, she said, for the first time
Maybe I'm wrong, I'm feeling right
Where I belong with you tonight
Like being in love can feel for the first time
Like being in love she said for the first time
Like being in love can feel for the first time."
Several days later Joey and Charlie were standing outside Aden's apartment. "Are you sure you can't come?" Joey begged. Charlie had her hands on Joey's waist, "I wish I could…next time I need a sickie to spend the day with you, remember that you'll have to be the one who calls the station as when I called first thing this morning Angelo didn't believe me for a second. It's not fair that I'm a sucky liar…I so wanted to spend the day with you. Are you sure you'll be okay?"
"Hmm I haven't even left yet and already I miss you…but I guess the sooner I go back to the City to get my stuff the sooner I get to come back here and move in for good with Aden. Besides I'll have my crazy friends with me for the ride so I won't get bored…unless they spend the whole trip making out," Joey replied.
"Hey, we heard that," Becca chuckled as she and Gabby walked past them and placed their bags in the boot of Charlie's car. Then as they walked back into the apartment, Gabby stuck her tongue out at Joey playfully, "Don't worry Jo…we've decided we'll only spend half of the trip making out."
Joey shook her head and giggled at Charlie once the girls were out of sight, "You do realize those two are worse then us with their constant making out antics. Remind me why we got them together." Charlie kissed Joey on the forehead, "'Cause they belonged together. Besides there's nothing wrong with making out antics…we'll get a chance to enjoy some when you get back tomorrow."
Joey raised her eyebrow, "Nothing wrong with making out antics…? Don't tell Aden that." Charlie blushed, "Oh right…how is he?" Joey smirked, "Still complaining about his sprained wrist. I cannot believe that he tripped over his own feet and sprained his wrist when he fell over after bumping into those two exiting the bathroom together while making out. Safe to say he didn't know they were together and got the surprise of his life when he realized they'd just shared a shower together. Those two are shameless."
Charlie giggled, "Well Aden did think that Becca was straight and if you ask me…had Nicole not been in the picture I think he would've tried to make a move on her. Good thing Nicole was understanding when she found out why he hurt himself. Hope he doesn't have the same reaction…when I get to sleepover." "Hmm something tells me he could well faint if we walked out of the shower in only our towels like they did…'cause your body is…" Joey bit her lip as her imagination ran wild.
Charlie steeled herself, trying desperately not to suggest they go enjoy a hot shower right then, "Well if that's gonna be his reaction all the time…you might just have to have more sleepovers at mine. I mean if we get caught like that all we'll get is an exasperated, 'Eww gross! My sight is blinded for life!' from Ruby. She likes torturing me now that we're back together and she's back at home to see us so happy and in love. It's the way things were meant to be for us all along. Oh and Gabby and Becca aren't shameless…they're just happily in love. I think it's nice that they've already gotten past the awkward best friends to girlfriends transition."
Joey rolled her eyes and chuckled, "Yeah and they're already talking about moving into Becca's room together when they get back home. I mean they already live together so they're just doing the next best thing with the U-haul lesbian cliché." Charlie wrapped her arms around Joey, "Guess that's one easy transition they've settled into then. Plus it will mean they'll now have a spare room when we go to visit them in the City. You do want to visit them don't you?"
Joey leant her head against Charlie's shoulder, "They're pretty good friends so yeah I'd love to go see them every so often. It'd be nice to stay with them." Charlie chewed on her lip, "Plus by the sounds of it…they don't live too far from where my father's been facilitated…and if it's okay with you…I was thinking maybe in a few weeks we could go see him and Morag…together."
Joey pulled back and stared up at Charlie, "You want to tell them about us?" Charlie nodded, "Of course I do. You're part of my life now and…they're just gonna have to accept that. It might be a bit difficult for my Dad to understand which is why it could be a good idea for us to stay with the girls while we're there to give him some space if he needs it."
Joey smiled, "I'm proud of you for doing this if you think you're ready." "I'm ready for anything when it comes to you," Charlie promised, "Except for having to spend a night away from you tonight…not ready for that." Joey sighed, "Me either. But sadly you've got to work this afternoon and it'll take me most of the day to get all my stuff together. Though I can promise you I'll leave first thing tomorrow morning and I'll be back by late morning and we can spend the rest of the day together."
"Least I thought ahead to take tomorrow off work. Really wanted to take the entire weekend off…so we could go away together…but we're too damn busy at the moment. Guess we'll have to wait until things die down before we can go away together. So have you got everything you need for the trip there?" Charlie asked.
Joey nodded, "Yeah I'm all packed and looks like the other two are nearly done too. Are you sure it's okay for us to loan your car?" Charlie looked down at Joey, "Well all three of you bounded down here on buses and you need somewhere to put your stuff when you bring it back. What else was I supposed to do but help you out? Just hope my car's big enough."
Joey sighed, "Maybe not quite but I can bring most of my things back tomorrow and Gabs said I can leave anything else with them so when we go visit them I can collect the rest of it then. Better than making two trips there and back…don't want to be away from you another day." Charlie smiled then leant down and brushed her lips against Joey's.
Becca came out of the apartment and interrupted the pair's embrace, "I'd say get a room you two but we've got to get going so if you don't mind prying yourself apart for like a day that'd be great." Charlie and Joey reluctantly broke apart. Joey slipped her hands around Charlie's neck, "Sure doesn't feel great to me to be apart. Where's Gabs?"
Becca headed over towards the car, "Bathroom break before we head off so we don't have to stop at the first petrol station. She'll be out in a minute." Joey turned to Charlie, "You hear that…it means a whole extra minute of kissage before I have to leave." Charlie grinned happily and pressed her lips against Joey's instantly, wanting to savour every second.
Becca rolled her eyes as she leant against the car and ignored the pair's antics. Suddenly her eyes fell to familiar looking guy who was jogging along the street up ahead. The guy abruptly stopped jogging and came to a halt in front of her.
"Hey, I remember you from the other night. How come you haven't called me? I thought we got along great," Angelo insisted. Becca plastered a fake smile on her lips, "Yeah…sorry…I've been a bit busy. 'Sides I'm leaving town today to go back to the City so…didn't see the point."
Angelo suddenly noticed Charlie and Joey making out just a few metres away, and threw a look of disgust in their direction. Raising his voice in the hope that Charlie might hear him and feel jealous, Angelo grinned, "Don't tell me you're leaving right now. Surely you can stay and come back to mine for a drink…maybe more. There's got to be more of this little town that you haven't seen yet…and I'd be…well equipped to show you."
Becca blushed, "Sorry but…my friends are leaving too so…I gotta go with 'em." "Oh c'mon what's the hurry? I'm sure they can wait. Just want to show you a good time before you leave…so you'll be keen to come back soon," Angelo insisted, as he gritted his teeth at the knowledge that his presence had yet to get Charlie's notice as she continued her loving embrace with Joey, let alone make her jealous.
Becca sighed, "Looks to me like the only thing you want is to make someone jealous…so why would I be interested in that?" Angelo leant in close to her, "'Cause I know deep down that Charlie still has feelings for me…and the way I see it…she was responsible for breaking your best friend's heart when she got back with Joey…so why don't you and I have a little fun and mess with their heads a little?"
Becca scoffed at Angelo's suggestion, but before she could turn him down, Gabby walked out of the apartment towards them. She slowed down as she saw how close Angelo was to her girlfriend and it unexpectedly occurred to her that while Becca had seemed comfortable with their new relationship status in private or around Charlie and Joey they had yet to discuss how they would handle their status in public. And now to find her getting hit on by the same guy that did so at the Surf Club wasn't something she was prepared for.
Gabby smiled anxiously as she approached the pair, noting that Charlie and Joey had finally pulled apart from their kiss as they looked on surprised to see Angelo hanging around. Angelo smirked at her as Gabby stepped up beside Becca. Gabby asked quietly, "Ah…hey what's going on?"
"Well ah…" Becca started but Angelo continued, "I was just trying to get your friend here to go out with me for a drink before you leave town. You don't need to leave so soon. What do you say you guys head off in a couple hours?" Gabby swallowed hard and stared at Becca nervously.
Becca took a deep breath before she took Gabby's hand lightly, "And I was just about to tell Angelo here…that I'm really not interested and we've gotta get back to the City now." Gabby smiled shyly at her girlfriend, "Yes so sorry we've got to cut this short but we've…got to get a move on." Angelo leered at the new arrival, "And who are you?"
"I'm…ah…" Gabby stuttered. Becca squeezed her hand, "She's my girlfriend." Angelo's leer was replaced by a scowl directed at Becca, "Are you kidding me? You were hitting on me the other night." Becca stared down at the floor, "Yeah well…I guess I was just trying to avoid how I really felt…sorry." Angelo glared at the pair angrily, "This has got to be some kind of a joke. There's no way your gay."
Gabby sighed gently, not liking where the conversation was heading as she was still unsure of how confident Becca was about them. But she needn't have worried as Becca turned to her and pressed their lips together lightly. Then Becca turned back to Angelo, "Well what ever I am…I'm not interested in you…take a hint already would you. So you ready to go home babe?" Gabby grinned happily, "Let's go home."
Angelo glared at the pair as they ignored him and each got into the back seat of Charlie's car. He shook his head angrily as Charlie and Joey walked over to him. Charlie didn't even look at him as she leant forwards and kissed Joey softly, "I'll see you back here tomorrow. Call me tonight so I know you got there okay and you got everything packed up." Joey nodded, "Can't wait to speak to you then. I'll call at the station so I can get an early night and head back as early as I can tomorrow morning."
Charlie nodded softly then hugged Joey again before letting her girlfriend go so she could get into the car. Joey reluctantly left Charlie standing next to Angelo as she hopped in the car. Winding down the window she waved at Charlie before beginning to adjust the drivers' seat and windows to suit her.
Charlie didn't even look at Angelo as she whispered, "You're still here. Thought you would've taken a hint by now." "And I thought you would've taken the hint by now that I'm never gonna go away when it comes to you," Angelo told her firmly, "If you insist on pretending to move on doesn't mean I can't have fun with anyone who comes along until you come to your senses."
Charlie's lips curled into a small smirk, "Might want to try the not hitting on gay girls' approach." Angelo's glared furiously at her, "That girl there is as gay as you are…which is to say not at all! She'll get bored of it after a while just like you will. You go have your fun but we both know I'll be waiting here for you when you realize she can't give you what I can."
Charlie's smirk widened, "You're developing quite the reputation aren't you Angelo? By your logic…you've now turned two girls gay in a matter of weeks. Is that a personal best? Wonder what the guys at work would say." "As if they would believe that crap," Angelo fumed.
"Well it's not much of a stretch after what happened between us to think that it could happen to you again. You already get enough from them for letting a girl like me switch teams," Charlie chuckled, then sighed, "What do you say? I keep my mouth shut about blondie over there rejecting your advances for another woman…and you will go back to the station and work my shift for me this afternoon?"
Angelo balled his hand into a fist, "I didn't let you go and switch teams. You can't threaten me." "And you can't stop me from doing a little gossiping around the station about your newest conquest rejecting you. So do we have a deal or what?" Charlie demanded as Joey started the engine of the car. Angelo stood silent, not wanting to give into Charlie's threats. Charlie shrugged, "I'll take that as a yes then. See you at the station in couple days, boss."
Joey began reversing the car out of the driveway but was surprised when Charlie yelled out for her to stop. Charlie left Angelo standing awkwardly on his own as she rushed around to the passenger side of her car. Hopping into the car and slamming the door shut, Charlie grinned at Joey, "I'm coming with."
Joey frowned slightly, "What about your work this afternoon?" Charlie shrugged as she looked at all three girls, "Angelo was nice enough to offer to work my shift for me so I'm free to join you on your trip." Joey stared at Charlie, not quite convinced, "Angelo was nice enough?" Charlie smirked, "Well I guess I can be very convincing when I need to be. Do you guys mind me tagging along?"
Joey reached out and took Charlie's hand, "Well I sure could use some proper company on this trip." Charlie snickered and glanced back at Gabby and Becca who were already snuggled up against each other, kissing one another gently. Joey eyed Charlie, "Something tells me this is gonna be a long ride." "All the better for us to enjoy it together," Charlie grinned as she leant forwards and kissed Joey softly.
Joey reluctantly pulled her lips away from Charlie's as she squeezed Charlie's hand and glanced behind her as she pulled the car out of the driveway, "Can't wait to be able to call this place home tomorrow."
The End...or is it? Do I hear any requests for a CJ lovin' bonus chapter? If you're interested in a bonus chapter to make up for all the drama in this fic (and my other ones...) let me know :P Bwa ha ha! See I can be nice sometimes...
Oh and don't fixate your reviews on the bonus chapter - I want you to tell me if you liked the conclusion of this fic!