Hello! Here's the Thursday doze of update from me to you! Before you start reading or after or during, I suggest you listen to the piano piece River Flows In You by Yiruma. It's really a calming music... you guys would know why Joey likes it (in this fic anyway). Sorry about the type errors and whatever errors you can find.
Also, for those who took time to guess about the question i had last chapter, all the answers you guys gave me were right but it wasnt the correct one. Like i said, it's subtle in every Chapter and in flashbacks... We all know Charlie loves Joey it was obvious except to Joey. lolz. BUT i'm still taking more guesses and who ever guess correct will have the chance to read the next Chapter before it gets posted.
So... anymore guesses?
-Previously-
"I don't know how to play piano," Charlie repeated, if anything it was as if to convince and fool herself to believing that saying it more than once would make it true.
It doesn't make it true.
-x-x-x-
Charlie woke up much later than usual the next day. She prepared breakfast for herself which was the first time after a long time. She ate by herself and then went on re-arranging furniture and then soon she found herself getting bored after, because there was nothing left for her to do.
While re-arranging things again and again in the living room, Charlie's eyes drifted to the next room where her piano was at and as if her feet has mind of its own, she soon found herself inside the said room with herself seating on the designated seat behind the instrument; and like her feet, Charlie's hands and fingers –on its own accord- run though the piano's keys gently as if feeling the ivory keys for the first time once again.
-Flashback-
It was lunch time and Charlie found herself in the music room alone. She was suppose to be having lunch with Joey but Hugo –like the last few days- took Joey with him, promising to return Joey before lunch time ends but that never happen. Charlie have other friends as well that she could eat lunch with but, today she just doesn't feel like mingling with other people; at the moment, she just wants to be alone and hopefully enjoy the peacefulness of being by herself.
Asking permission from Ms. Bates (her music teacher), Charlie now has their music room all to herself and soon enough, she found herself seating behind the grand piano. If everything were still what it used to be, she wouldn't be in the music room alone, but rather in the music room 'with' Joey. But things have drastically changed and Charlie was/is finding her way to cope with the changes. She didn't particularly like the changes but she knew she has to understand.
Opening the wooden lid of the piano's ivory keys, Charlie positioned her hands and her fingers on the keys. Closing her eyes, relaxing herself and her muscles, Charlie breathes in and as she exhaled her fingers staring running through the keys rhythmically, producing the calming sound of Joey's favourite lullaby written by the compositor known as 'Yiruma' the 'River Flows in you.'
Charlie was soon lost in the melody she's playing; remembering the times when she played the same piece for Joey when she was sad or upset; when she couldn't sleep because she had a nightmare the night before or just whenever Joey ask her to play. It was fun playing for Joey. She finds some sort of contentment whenever she plays for her. It was a feeling that she misses whenever she plays alone.
Finishing the piece and opening her eyes, Charlie frowns as she finds herself once again alone in the music room. But soon the quietness is broken by a clapping sound of hands that made Charlie turn and find the source. Sure enough, Charlie sees Ms. Bates smiling at her brightly.
"That was very beautiful Charlie," the teacher compliments her.
Charlie smiled shyly at her music teacher. It was one thing to play –when needed- in their music class; it was another getting caught playing alone for personal enjoyment. Ms. Bates then went and seat with Charlie behind the piano. She's a young music teacher that specializes in piano and guitars -those two instruments were her forte.
"You play beautifully Charlie," the older woman praised more.
"Thank you," Charlie meekly replied.
Ms. Bates smiled at the young brunette. She has so much potential, but the young woman refuses to enhance such talent.
"Will I be seeing your name in the list, Charlie?"
Charlie frowned and the teacher saw her questioning look.
"The music competition," she clarified. "I'm sure you'll do great!"
Charlie shakes her head. Her music is for family only –and because she has an inferiority complex despite what other people thinks of her.
"What are you afraid of? I've heard you play and you play really well," Ms. Bates encourages more. "You're actually one of my top talented students in music," she revealed.
"I don't think I can do it Ms." Charlie said. "I'm not confident enough or good enough for that matter."
The teacher smiled kindly and shakes her head.
"You don't give yourself enough credits Charlie. We can work on you confidence if that's what worries you."
"I'm not sure, Ms."
The young teacher nodded in understanding; a little disappointed as she could see the potential in the young brunette. She would be great if she'll allow herself to.
"Ok," she relented. "But at least think about it?"
Charlie nodded. She would think about it, but she's already sure that her decision would still be the same –No.
-x-x-x-
Later that day, Charlie and Joey had their names marked off in their home room and were ready to head out of the school premises when they heard someone calling for Charlie's name. Surely, when they turned, they saw Ms. Bates walking towards them.
"Yes, Ms.?" Charlie asked a little anxiously.
Joey still just beside Charlie watching and wondering.
"Ok. I know you said you'll think about it," Ms. Bates ventures, "But just in case you decided to join, here are some pieces that you might want to look at and might enjoy playing. They all suited you style."
The teacher handed Charlie a compilation of piano pieces. Charlie thanked the woman, before the three of them went on to opposite direction.
"What was that about?" Joey asked.
Charlie shrugs. "Ms. Bates wants me to join this competition that will take place at the end of school year. I sad no, but she wants me to reconsider and at least think about it," she explained.
Joey nodded thoughtfully.
"Why don't you?"
Charlie sharply turns to Joey, looking at her as if Joey just grew another head. Charlie knows that Joey is well aware of her problem with crowds.
"You're seriously asking?" Charlie asked in return disbelief laced in her voice.
Joey smiled and giggled, linking her arm to Charlie's as they walk.
"Charlz, you're really good and I thing you'll do great," she encourages just like the teacher. "You've been hiding your mad piano skills to people. You should let them have the privilege of hearing you play."
"You're teasing me," the brunette said.
"No. I'm not. I'm letting you know that you're great and that everyone should know," Joey explained earnestly.
"Why? They're not important," Charlie whines. "I didn't learn to play piano so they could hear it. I didn't learn to play for them."
Joey steps forward and stops in front of her blue-eyed friend; a smile on her lips and a glint in her golden-brown eyes.
"I know," she said softly. "You learn so you could play for me."
Charlie nodded quietly. It was the truth. She learned how to play so she could play for Joey. So she could see that peaceful and content look in Joey's face. So Joey wouldn't miss her Nana Isabelle playing piano for her. Charlie plays the piano because of Joey and for Joey.
The look of innocence and kindness in Charlie's young beautiful face made the smile on Joey's lips bigger. It always made her wonder how could Charlie's simple nod of confirmation evoke such happiness in her.
"It's always so peaceful whenever you play," Joey started, now reaching to hold Charlie's hands in her. "I feel happy and contented and at peace with the melody you were/are able to produce."
She paused and brought both Charlie's hands up and gazed at it adoringly, holding on to it as gently while grazing her thumb over Charlie's fingers delicately.
"Will you play for me?" she asked, now looking up to Charlie's eyes.
"Of course," Charlie agreed almost instantly. Joey didn't need to ask.
"In front of a crowd," Joey added and Charlie's heart started beating frantically.
The blood drains from Charlie's face and Joey sees the paleness and worry in her friends blue orbs that now looks kind of… sort of frosty.
"Shhh," she tried to sooth Charlie's nerves, planting soft kisses on both Charlie's dainty hands, before reaching to cup the said girl's cheek in her warm palm.
"But… the crowd… the people," Charlie murmured nervously.
Joey gently shakes her head, while caressing the young brunette's face.
"Who cares about the crowd?" she asked not breaking eye contact with Charlie. "Like you said, they're not important."
Charlie is silent; just looking in Joey's golden-brown orbs, seeking assurance and courage.
"If you play, it'll be for me. Right?"
Charlie nodded again. "Can't I just play for you in private like I normally do?"
Joey smiled at Charlie's cheeky question and then brought her other hand to place against Charlie's other cheek. Now, she's cupping both gently and delicately, caressing the skin underneath her palm lovingly and soothingly.
"Then I wouldn't have the chance to show them how proud I am of you," she said. "Then I wouldn't have the chance to show them how happy you make me feel."
Charlie slowly smiles at that. Joey always knows what to say to make her feel better and relaxed.
"So, will you give me that chance to show them?" The dark haired girl asked hopeful.
Charlie nods. She never had it in her to say no to Joey in the first place. She knew that one way or another; she would say eyes to Joey anyway.
"You promise to be there?" she asked, knowing she might sound stupid. She just wants assurance and hears it from Joey.
"Where else will I be?" Joey asks all smiles. "Of course I'll be there. First two in the middle, holding a bouquet of flowers for you," she said excitedly.
Charlie smiles even more, feeling her nerves subside. Joey smiled back and then turned serious, looking deeply in Charlie's mesmerising blue.
"I promise I'll be there with you," she swears. "And I promise I'll be there with you in every step; I'll be there to help you choose the piece you'll play. I'll be there in your every practice, cheering you on and on the big night… I'll be there, proud of you and at the end of the play, be clapping my hands on top of the crowds'."
"Thank you," Charlie whispered, feeling a little bit more confident.
Joey shakes her head.
"No," she said. "I should be the one thanking 'you'."
Charlie frowns. What did she do? She hasn't even played yet.
"Thank you for the chance to show them how happy you 'always' make me feel."
Charlie blushes a little. Joey found it endearing and soon lost herself in the blue pools of Charlie's eyes. Charlie saw the twinkle in Joey's golden-brown orbs that only meant one thing –she's happy. Like Joey, Charlie is drowned in the depths of Joey's eyes and soon, lost in the moment of happiness, Joey stepped closer to Charlie unconsciously -or consciously, she doesn't know- leaning in and then planted the softest of kiss on Charlie's lips.
The kiss was as soft and innocent as the first. It was gentle and has the same effect as before; calming and…
-End of Flashback-
Charlie's eyes shut open and suddenly the music stopped. She didn't realise that she was playing until she stop with the memory she forcefully ended. Immediately almost a little too hurriedly, Charlie closes the wooden lid for the keys, and covered the grand piano with the cloth that had been removed the day before. When everything is back they way it had been for years, Charlie leaves the room and head towards the door only to be stop by the ringing of her mobile phone.
Reluctantly and slowly, Charlie made her way back and picks up after seeing her mother's name on the screen.
"Mum," she answered.
"Charlie! Where are you? We haven't seen you in day and apparently you haven't been home too!"
Charlie sighed. She should've known that she'll get her ear chew off by her mother.
"Don't worry Mum. I'm ok. I'm just fixing some errands…"
"What errands? We were the one here, dealing and fixing everything for your wedding."
"Mum, not everything is about the wedding," Charlie said tiredly. "I had to finalise my transfer papers and… had to deal with some things."
"Are 'these' things dealt with now?" Lorie asked, voice gently now than before; most often than not these days, she worries more and more about her daughter and it frustrates her that she couldn't think of anything to do to get through to her. At least Joey talks and opens up to her.
Charlie took her time to answer. Has she dealt with it yet? Now? 'No. Not yet,' she thought.
"Not quite yet, Mum," she answered honestly.
Lorie softly sighed. She could faintly hear the distress and defeated-ness in her Charlie's voice that her daughter is trying really hard to hide.
"Ok," she said gently. "What time will you get here tomorrow for your wedding?"
Charlie's eyes widened. She almost –if not totally- forgot about her wedding the next day. She was just a little relieved that she already has her white suit uniform ready in her car.
"I don't know Mum. But I'll be there."
"Don't be late, Charlie," Lorie reminded her daughter although her daughter is never late.
"Yes, Mum. Bye."
After she ended the call, Charlie took a deep breath while rubbing her temples. How could she have forgotten about the wedding tomorrow? Taking a few shorter breaths, Charlie made her way outside the house and was about to get in her car only to be stopped by a hand on her shoulder. Charlie quickly turned and saw the beautiful blue-green pair of eyes.
"Alex."
Earlier Joey just confessed to Charlie's mother 'the' moment when they almost kiss. Of course, Lorie was shock but never judge. Joey explained or more like admitted that if it happened it wouldn't be the first time. She told Lorie about the time when she and Charlie would kiss to comfort each other. She said that it was an innocent kiss but also admitted that the later few kisses they shared were the ones that opened her eyes; made her realise her feelings for Charlie. And fortunately for Joey, Auntie Lorie understood and accepted the revelation with ease. She even surprised Joey by saying that she actually suspected that something like that might've happened seeing how she and Charlie were so particularly close; like they were attaché in the hip or something.
After her admission, the obvious stress in Joey's face alarmed Lorie. Joey then explain that after the almost kiss; she hasn't been able to contact Charlie since.
It was almost mid-night when Joey found herself staring at her wedding gown. She had been in the room since Lorie left, but not before assuring her that Charlie promised to be there for the wedding. To be honest, Joey didn't and would never doubt Charlie's words and she knew she would be there. But even with that, Joey couldn't stop feeling nervous; in front of her is her wedding dress. Tomorrow her dream would be finally coming true. It feels surreal and she's feeling anxious.
"That's a pretty gown," Hugo commented from behind Joey, making himself known.
Hugo had been in the room watching Joey's form quietly, and Joey was too pre-occupied and deep in thought to even notice him coming in or opening and closing the door for that matter.
A little startled, Joey turns her head and managed to smile at her boyfriend before nodding in answer to his compliment, and then glancing back to the gown again.
"Are you ok?" Hugo asked stepping closer, wrapping his arms around Joey's waist from behind.
Joey stiffened but forced herself to relax under Hugo's arms, reminding herself that it was Hugo.
"You seem… tense," he added.
"Just nervous about tomorrow," Joey half-lied.
Hugo nodded, planting a kiss on Joey's temple and sighed deeply.
"I'm really sorry about this Joey," he apologised. "I didn't know that this would happen. Everything is like…in the movie, you know? All the inheritance and will, it only happens in a movie… or so I thought."
"If I'd known or we've known earlier, I wouldn't accept the offer. I only accepted it because of the opportunity and… so I could take you away; so you wouldn't have to be forced to get along with Charlie again," he explained.
Joey swallowed the lump in her throat, listening to Hugo silently.
"If I could find a way around this contract…" he paused and sighed. "I should've been the one marrying you tomorrow," he said almost whispering the last part.
Hugo tightens his arms around Joey's waist; the lack of response from his action is lost to him. Joey bit on her lower lip, closing her eyes as wave of guilt overwhelms her.
"I'll be honest with you," Hugo continues, "I will only say it once. Even though I agreed to this plan; even though I'm one of the people that convinced Charlie to this… it didn't stop me from hurting."
Joey closes her eyes tighter, preventing tears of guilt form falling. She could hear the hurt in Hugo's voice and it was unusual to her ears. She hopes that she could do something, but there was nothing. She couldn't bring herself to be sad about the wedding the next day because it was what she had wanted. It was her dream and as selfish as it may sound; as unfair it'll be for Hugo… even if she's given another choice, another way around things, she wouldn't change anything. She would still choose the choice that would allow her to be with Charlie.
It was then at that thought that Joey realised what she has to do. What would be the right thing to do; for her, for Charlie and for Hugo. She has to let one go. She has to let go of Hugo. It's already unfair for him that she doesn't feel the same strong feelings that he obviously feels for her –although she tried-, it's cruel to keep him around when he could possible meet someone better for him. Turning around, Joey made up her mind.
"Hugo…" she started but stopped when Hugo cupped her face in his masculine, calloused palms.
"I love you, Joey." He said with so much conviction. "I love you more than anything in this world… more than anyone," he added, looking straight in Joey's eyes that he'd loved and loves for years.
"I promise you, I'll visit as often as I can and will come back for you… to you for good after the contract and they we'll have our happily ever after," he swears before kissing Joey on the lips quickly and locking her body in his strong arms.
Joey was in daze and when she finally gathered back her thoughts and was ready to… break Hugo's heart for good reason, he found the said man letting her body go, hurriedly walking out of the room. He didn't give Joey a chance to talk. Joey didn't get the chance to set things right between her and Hugo.
Charlie and Alex were at the beach. Alex went by Charlie's earlier to properly welcome her back to the town by inviting her to a proper dinner. The two women got talking, had nice dinner together and now just finished their third bottle of wine for the night.
"Thank you for this Lex," Charlie said out of nowhere.
"No problem," Alex replied turning to look at the attractive brunette next to her.
Unaware of her friend's gaze, Charlie brought her hand up to comb her wavy locks. The stone in her 'engagement' ring twinkle under the moon light, getting the attention of the blonde haired woman beside her.
"Nice ring you have there," she said. "Dare I ask if that is what I think it is?"
Alex meant nothing about her question, but the beat of her heart was saying different. For some reason, she's dreading to think that she could be right about what she's thinking.
"What do you think it is?" Charlie asked casually.
"An engagement ring?"
"Then you're right," Charlie confirmed as if it was just nothing and the most natural thing. She's not drunk but she's not completely sober either.
Pang of disappointment enveloped Alex in an instant. She never acknowledges her attraction towards Charlie but know that she's acting on it somehow. And although she didn't expect anything from their starting friendship, to have known that Charlie 'is' engage… it just put all the possibilities of what might and could've been between them in the gutter.
"You never mentioned that you're in a relationship," Alex commented, trying to hide the sadness in her voice.
"I'm not," Charlie answered honestly, lying down on the sand, not caring if she gets sands all over her back or clothes or on her hair for that matter.
Alex frowned. 'Is Charlie drunk already? But it was just wine…'
"But you're engage…" she mumbled, confused.
Charlie turns to Alex and then giggled at her friend's confuse face. She knows that she's not drunk but she's completely sober and she has enough alcohol in her system to be blunt and not think of the words she's saying.
"I'm not in a relationship," she confirmed a little sleepy. "The thing is, I'm single. I have two best friends. One guy and one girl; they are in a relationship," Charlie started explaining, keeping herself awake for as long as she can.
"Guy best friend is going to New York. Girl best friend is staying here. Tomorrow, I'm marrying girl best friend," she finished.
Alex frowns deeper. The explanation didn't make sense at all. 'Charlie is claiming she's single. But she's marrying her girl best friend who's in a relationship with her guy best friend. Nope. Doesn't make sense at all and if anything, it just makes everything a lot confusing.'
"I don't get it," she said looking at Charlie, only to find said woman sleeping on the sand without care.
"Charlie…" Alex poked the brunette's cheek lightly. "Charlie?" she tried again and still got no response.
Sighing and not bothering to get up and go home as she feel the sleep trying to claim her consciousness, Alex lay next to Charlie on the sand; closing her eyes like Charlie, Alex let the dream land take her as she sleeps.
BTW before I forget next Chapter is the WEDDING! You guys are all invited to the Wedding! Lolz... (it was the longest Chapter I have written for this fic so far).
Yey! Wedding! Would be a successful one or a disaster? Do you guys think I'm cruel for asking that? lolz
'Till next update!