To fix a broken heart.

Thank you for the kind reviews. I have plenty of ideas for this particular story, but I will only write them if you still want to read and enjoy this story, so please review and let me know what you want.

Previously.

The house was ready to move in to.

Joey and her brother seem to be building bridges.

Chapter 28.

It had been a week since they moved into their own home, all three loved it, Ruby was happy it was just her and her two mums, although she loved living with Leah and VJ, it was nice, having proper family living arrangements. Charlie seemed happier as well, she said she felt house proud and kept everywhere spotless, which annoyed Ruby as she nagged her to wash her dishes before she even finished. Joey loved owning her own place, she felt safe and secure, also that her relationship with Charlie was for keeps as they really had made a commitment. She loved cooking and had to admit she felt more comfortable in the kitchen than she did at Leah's, although Leah always made her feel like it was her own place she was very much aware, it was actually Leah's. The best part of owning their own home was Joey and Charlie only had Ruby to consider when they wanted to making out, and there was a lot of making out, well they did have to christen every room in there new house.

It was Monday morning Ruby was off school for the holidays, and was still in bed. Joey was in the kitchen fixing breakfast for Charlie and herself before they both went to work. Charlie had just finished having a shower and was just getting into her uniform, smiling to herself as she thought back to last, how could she possibly wear her uniform without picturing Joey in her shirt with the buttons undone, and nothing else apart from the sexy underwear she had bought her a couple of days ago, the handcuffs were an added bonus. Charlie stopped day dreaming and finished getting ready. Heading into the kitchen she wrapped her arms around Joey's waist while she stood making toast. "Good morning baby." She whispered into her ear before kissing the side of her neck. "Mmm good morning honey." Joey replied, leaning in to Charlie whilst giving her better access to her neck. "Take a seat, I have made toast and coffee, there is also orange juice." Joey said knowing if they didn't stop they would get carried away and have no time to eat. Charlie gave her another kiss before turning to sit in the nearest chair. They ate in silence, holding hands while they drank their coffee. "What time is your meeting with your boss? Do you know what it's about?" Joey asked concerned it was about promotion in the city again, she knew Charlie only turned it down because of her and Ruby. Charlie was ambitious, that was one of the things she loved about her, but would she resent her if she had to turn it down again. "It's nothing to worry about just staffing, and the general running of the station, it's an arranged meeting that's all."

"What about you? Have you got a busy day ahead?" She asked washing the dishes up before writing a note for Ruby about keeping the place tidy. "Yes we're run off our feet at the moment, looks like its long days for the foreseeable future, but the money comes in handy for the house and wedding." "Joey you're working far too much babe, you have been in from 6:00 until 8:00 five days last week, as well as the weekend work." "I know but we can't turn down customers, the business relies on word of mouth. I was actually thinking about getting another boat, once we have built the money up of cause, that way we can build the business more, who knows we could keep expanding and have are own fleet one day." Joey's face lit up, when she talked about the business. "You really love it don't you?" Charlie asked smiling. "Charlie it's fantastic, I never thought I would love working on the ocean again after the whole Robbo thing. I stuck at the trawlers because it was good money but I hated being out there with a group of blokes, scared in case they tried anything. But then I met skip and he gave me the opportunity to do what I love but in a different way. I never thought I would be part owner in a thriving business; own my own home with a beautiful intelligent woman who is my soul mate." Charlie hugged her tight "You deserve everything that has happened to you, you are a good person, kind, caring hard working, gorgeous, and I have to thank god every day that you're here with me. I love you so much." "I love you too. We better get going or neither of us will have work to go to."

Charlie dropped Joey off at the wharf Kissing goodbye. She then drove to the station, for the meeting with her boss. She couldn't shake the bad feeling she had. It was a normal three monthly meeting but he had said he needed to speak to her about something. As she entered the station, she smiled as Watson was explaining to an elderly lady; they needed evidence before arresting her neighbour for fraternising with the wrong crowd. Charlie headed straight into her office, planning on doing some paper work before the meeting. Half an hour later there was a knock on the door, as she was getting up from her desk the door opened and her boss popped his head in, "Can I come in? I know I'm early but as I mentioned on the phone I have important news to pass on to you. Please remain seated, I have a feeling you will need it." Charlie asked a constable to bring their boss a coffee before asking him what the news was. "I have received an email with regard to a prisoner who is about to be released. The release date is next month." "You don't normally give news of a prison release in person; in fact you don't normally pass the information over." "That's because the prisoner is Robbo. And I am aware his release will affect you and you're family." "What? Robbo has got early release, how? Why?" Charlie asked shocked. This can't be happening; things were going well, for Joey, why did he have to come back into her life. "Apparently he is terminally ill, cancer. The court has decided since he has been in prison for two years, so he has served time, he can spend the rest of his days free." "He was in for life. He was charged with murder, attempted murder and several cases of rape. How can they just forget that and feel sorry for him. What am I going to tell Jo?" She asked worriedly. They talked for another hour before her boss said goodbye.

Joey was kept busy all day at work. She tried to take a lunch break but spent it answering the phone and taking more bookings. Romeo had been moaning to her about working all the time, neither of them had taken a day off in two weeks and the way things were going she didn't know when they could. She decided to take the books home to see if they could afford to take on another member of staff, part time would help to give them at least one day off. With that decided she smiled to herself, heading towards the door she almost banged into Ruby, who was also coming through the door. "Rubes, is something wrong?" Joey asked her; aware she didn't often come down to the wharf. "No nothing's wrong, I was just wondering what time you and mum finish today? I thought I might sort diner out for us." Joey looked at Ruby shocked. "Why? What have you done or what are you after?" "Hey I have feelings you know. Can't I do something nice for my hard working parents without being accused of wanting something?" Ruby feigned hurt. "Sorry Rubes, I just wasn't expecting it that's all, as for dinner, I'm afraid it will have to be another time we're both working till late." Joey replied feeling guilty for doubting Ruby's intentions. "Oh ok then, well I will grab something from the diner. Right I'm off; I'm meeting the others at the beach. See you later."

Ruby headed to the beach to meet Casey, Xavier, Dex, April, and a couple of others from school. They had talked about going back to the house since it would be empty. Ruby was dying to show the place off. "Hi Rubes, are they due home or not?" Casey asked as he gave her a kiss. "Well I went to see Joey, and it turns out they are both working till late." "Well what are we waiting for? Let's go." Casey and Xavier said together. So they all got up and walked along the beach to the house. "Aden was just hanging up a new sign, outside the bait shop when he noticed Ruby and her friends walking past, he over heard them talking about a party, he just hoped it wasn't what he thought it was, Joey and Charlie would kill her. He went back into the shop to fetch his phone. Deciding to give Joey the heads up, unfortunately she didn't answer, so he left a message asking her to ring back when she got the message. He carried on working as a few customers entered the shop. An hour later, after trying Joey's phone again, He began wondering what he could do, when Bianca walked in, "hi babe, I thought I would keep you company until your shift ends, and then I thought we could go for a drink." She said leaning across the desk to give him a kiss. "Am I glad to see you, I kind of need a favour?" Bianca looked at him before asking what she could help with. "Can you look after the shop? There's something I need to do. It shouldn't take long; I will explain all when I get back I promise." "Is it really that important, it cant wait for half an hour until you close?" She asked not keen on holding the fort in a shop she knew nothing about. "I wouldn't ask if it wasn't. Please?" Aden answered. "Go on, don't be long. The drinks are on you." She said smiling at him as he kissed her. "That's a promise. You are a diamond." He said running out.

He ran along the beach, he didn't have to get too close until he heard the loud music, and teenagers larking about. He walked through the garden to find three girls and Xavier swinging on the seat he built for his friends. Just as he told them to get off, there was a loud cracking sound and the chair broke in two. He told the teenagers to leave the house saying the party was over. He then walked into the kitchen to find empty wine bottles and beer cans everywhere, moving through to the lounge he found some more people, telling them to leave he switched off the music and shouted up the stairs for Ruby. She came running down the stairs noting there was only Aden in the house and he wasn't happy at all. Casey followed her down the stairs, putting his top on. "I think you should go now." Aden said calmly to Casey. Casey looked at Ruby who nodded her head. "I'll see you later babe." He said kissing her cheek before walking away.

Aden was just about to ask Ruby what the hell she was thinking when they heard Joey scream "Ruby where are you? What the hell is going on? Look at this place." "Joey I'm so sorry, I didn't mean it to turn out like this, it got out of hand, I only invited Casey, Xavier, Dex, April and a girl, Xavier likes. But other people from school turned up." Ruby said with her head down ashamed. "Joey was just about to shout at Ruby for not having permission to invite anyone round when they were working when her phone rang. She looked at the number recognising Watson's name. "Hi George, what's up?" She asked turning to walk towards the kitchen. "What? When? How serious is it? I will be right there. Thanks for letting me know." She walked back into the lounge, white and shaking. "Jo, what's wrong? Who was on the phone?" Aden asked noticing his friend had gone pale and looked in shock.

Ten minutes later the three of them ran through the hospital doors, they found Watson standing in the corridor. "George, what happened? Where is she?" Joey asked needing to know what was happening with Charlie. "She's through there. The doctors are with her." A shocked and upset George explained. Suddenly a nurse appeared, Joey caught her arm "please, can you tell me what's happening to my girlfriend. She was brought in half an hour ago. It's sergeant Buckton." The nurse looked from Joey to the rest of the group gathered around. "I can't tell you much at the moment; the doctors are working on her. I will ask them to talk to you as soon as they can. They sat on the chairs waiting for information, Aden decided to get everyone a drink while they we're waiting, just as he was leaving the café his phone rang, "Where the hell are you? A few minutes you said. I have locked up and I am going home. You can forget going for a drink now." A very unhappy Bianca spoke. "Shit, Bianca I'm so sorry, look I can explain. I'm at the hospital with Joey and Ruby. Charlie was shot. I'm so sorry. Please as soon as I can I will come and explain, I'll make it up to you I promise." Aden said feeling guilty he hadn't thought to call her. "Aden I'm sorry I shouted. Is she going to be alright? It's no wonder you didn't come back or call. How's Joey and Ruby? Can I do anything?" "The doctors are working on her; we don't know how serious it is yet. Joey and Ruby are a mess. I'm going to stay here for them." Aden replied. "Yes of cause, look I'm sorry I had a go at you, I will see you later. Call if I can do anything." "I will, thanks Bianca, I will let you know when we have some news." With that he hung up and walked back to the group still waiting for information.

A few minutes later Morag, Leah and Bianca walked through the hospital doors. "Joey, is there any news?" Morag asked concerned. Joey looked up but before she had chance to say anything Sid came out of the room. "Sid what's happened? Is she alright?" Joey asked shaking. "It was touch and go, the bullet did quite a bit of internal damage, we had to remove her spleen, it nicked her kidney, but we managed to repair it and stop the bleeding. We had to remove the bullet from its final resting place, against the spinal column. We won't know if it has done any damage until she comes round. In the mean time we will keep her in intensive care, and monitor her closely." "Wait what do you mean you don't know if it has done any damage? What damage could it do?" Ruby asked worriedly. Sid looked between the small group gathered, he hated giving people bad news, and it was made worse when the people he was about to tell were friends of his. "Please understand, this is only guess work until Charlie is awake and we are able to run some more tests. The bullet was lodged against the spine; it may have caused some damage to the spine." "Oh my god, are you saying she may be paralysed?" Joey asked before collapsing onto the nearest seat. "Please don't think the worst until we can do further tests, it may not have done any damage to the spine." Sid explained more. "Can we see her?" Morag asked as she looked worriedly at her step granddaughter and future step daughter in law. "You can see her for a few minutes, but no more than 2 at a time. I must insist you only stay for a few minutes, she has been through a lot and needs to rest." With that he walked away to write up his notes.

Morag insisted Joey and Ruby went in first. They slowly opened the door but before they could go any further Ruby looked at her mother, lying in the bed, lifeless, connected to a lot of machines. "I'm sorry I can't." Ruby said before running from the room, past everyone sat in the corridor and through the main hospital doors. "Ruby wait." Joey shouted following, Leah stepped up, "Joey go and see Charlie, I will check on Ruby." Joey stood torn between being with Charlie and running to give Ruby support. "Are you sure? Maybe I should go and talk to her." Leah gave her a quick hug, "Joey its fine, go and see Charlie, I will talk to Ruby." With that Leah turned and walked towards the exit. Joey turned facing Morag "Will you come in with me?" Joey asked, partly for Morag and Charlie's sake but also for support. It was hard seeing her girlfriend lying there connected to machines keeping her a live. Morag stood and said "Of cause, thank you." They walked towards the door and slowly opened it walking inside to either side of the bed. Joey took hold of Charlie's hand in her own, leaning forward she kissed her on her forehead. "Charlie baby please get through this, I don't know what I will do. There are a lot of people that need you. We have just moved into our own home, and have a wedding to plan." She started crying, trying to wipe her eyes with her other hand, Morag handed her a tissue. They stayed for five minutes, before they were asked to leave while the nurses checked on Charlie.

Outside Leah found Ruby leaning against the wall wiping her mouth, she had obviously just been sick. Leah put her hand comfortingly on her back offering her a tissue. "Leah I can't go in there, I feel disgusted at myself. She's lying in there, fighting for her life and I can't face seeing her." She broke down in tears. Leah pulled her into her arms, "Hey come on, stop that. No one can blame you; it's hard to see loved ones in that state." "But if it was the other way round she would be fighting anyone who tried to stop her being at my bedside." Ruby cried again. "Leah I'm scared, I can't lose my mum as well. I lost my dad and one mum already." Leah turned her to hug her tight. "Ruby you're mum is a fighter. She will not let a little thing like getting shot stop her. There is no way she is about to leave you, or Joey. But I want you too get this into you're head right now, you are not alone. You have Joey, Morag, and me as well as everyone else in the bay. We all love you ok?" "Thanks Leah, do you think they will let me go and see her now?" "I think, they wouldn't dare try and stop you, they would have a riot on their hands." Leah said smiling.

Once they were back in the hospital, Ruby looked at Joey. "I'm sorry; I should never have run away like that. Do you think she would be upset with me?" Joey jumped to her feet taking Ruby in her arms. "Ruby, you have nothing to be sorry for. It is hard to see Charlie lying there, I found it hard myself. And I know 100% that Charlie would not be upset, she would be worried, if you forced yourself to go in when you were too upset. Rubes, no one will blame you if you don't go in while she is like that, maybe you could wait to see her when she's not attached to all those machines, and she can talk to you." "It was just a shock; Charlie's always the tough strong one that holds it all together, seeing her lying there it scared me, but would you take me into see her, I promise I won't run away this time." "Of cause I will, but only if you're sure it is what you want." So the pair went to visit Charlie. They sat for a few minutes holding her hands and talking to her, until they were asked to leave. They walked out with their arms around each other "Right I think you all need to go home and get some rest, I will ring if there is any change, but we expect she will rest until tomorrow." They argued but Sid was adamant. Joey also very stubborn argued she would only leave if security dragged her away. Sid finally gave in and allowed Joey to stay at Charlie's side, but made everyone else go home. Ruby wasn't happy, but she eventually went home to Leah's on the understanding she could go back first think in the morning.

Joey made her way back into Charlie's room, Giving Charlie a kiss before sitting on the chair at the side of the bed holding her hand. She sat talking to her for along time, the nurses were constantly in and out monitoring her; they brought Joey a cup of coffee, and a pillow and blanket. Eventually Joey dropped of to sleep, still holding Charlie's hand; her head fell onto the bed.

Next time.

Charlie wakes to find herself in Hospital.

How serious are her injury's and how will she cope.

George isn't coping, and blames herself.

Ruby lashes out.