A/N: hello everyone! First of, I'm sooo sorry for the delay. But just my luck I lost my USB. Well almost, coz good thing my colleague found it. Whew! Thank goodness, because all my previous stories are in there. Anyway, that's the reason of the delay. I'm sooo sorry.

So... here is Joey's POV. Again sorry if it's a little all over the place but i try my best. Hopefully you guys can enjoy it still. Thanks as well to those who added me on their twitter. :D and for all those that messaged, ill be updating i dare you to love me soon.

Cheers.

"Waiting for someone that will never come, is like waiting for the plane to land on the dock."

-anonymous-

-9 years ago-

Joey's POV

It had been at least 2 hours, since she and Charlie had decided to head home. It had been a relaxing afternoon for them, just hanging out at the beach. It was peaceful. Looking at the ring-pop in her hand, Joey couldn't believe that she had let the time pass without telling Charlie how she feels. It had been the perfect time for her. Her beautiful brunette was just there beside her, looking ever so stunning, smiling at her; she could've told her then. She could've pulled the lolly from her pocket and open her lips, let the words from her heart out, but the point where her brown eyes meet its favourite blue pools, she just couldn't open her lips. She just couldn't move for fear that the connection would be lost and the some-sort-of bubble they were in would pop. She believed that maybe Charlie's eyes would read it from hers and she would know, but she guessed sometimes you have to voice your feelings out.

Sighing, Joey looks up at the clock that seems to go very slow. She wanted to go to the recital and show the rest how much happiness Charlie brings her and how proud she is and maybe the rest would see just how much she loves the said girl. After the recital, she planned on taking Charlie to the school garden where she saw her magical silhouetted feature back at the prom night and there she would tell Charlie everything; her feelings, her love for her that exceeds to what is ought to for two friends. She hasn't thought of what will happen if Charlie doesn't feel the same thing or if Charlie feels the same. She just knows that whatever the outcome is, she'll either face it by herself or she'll face everyone else with Charlie. She wishes for all that are holy that it would be the latter.

Looking at her packed bags, a small smile crosses the raven-haired girl's face. After the recital and after her planned admission of feelings, she and her best friend –hopefully girlfriend- will be going to sail for a week; just the two of them like they had always dreamed of. She couldn't wait for it.

"Joey!"

The raven-haired is pulled back from her trance by her mother's voice. Immediately, she stood and checked herself in the mirror. It's probably time for her to go to the Buckton's. She already asked her parents if she could ride with Charlie on the way to their school and her parents doesn't have a reason to object, so they agreed on meeting them there.

"Hugo's here, Jo," Beth said as soon as Joey came to their view from upstairs.

Joey stopped in her tracks. 'Why and what is he doing here?' She asked herself. He didn't mention anything about coming over and definitely about coming over at this time of the day, today. Slowly with a crease on her brows, Joey walks down their stairs.

"What are you doing here?" She asks trying very hard not to let her irritation shows in her tone. Every time she plans something, it's as if Hugo has sixth sense about it and would ruin it for her unconsciously.

Hugo smiled at the raven-haired, not failing to notice how gorgeous his friend is looking. "I just want to pick you up so we can go to the school together," he said hopeful. His mother Gina being the head teacher had already left with his father. He was supposed to come with them, but an idea came to mind that he'd much preferred.

"But I'm going with Charlie, and I have to leave now," Joey said. It was then she noticed the bouquet of flowers that Hugo was holding. She almost smacks herself, for forgetting to get Charlie one. She thought she really ought to leave now, so she can buy Charlie flowers.

"I really really need to leave now," she said. Her statement and the way she dismissed the hopeful look on Hugo's face didn't go unnoticed to her mother as she watched the teenagers.

"Can't I come with you?" Hugo asked still hopeful. After tonight, Joey and Charlie would go away for a week. He doesn't know why he can't with them, but he supposed they just want a girl time together. Having known that however, it didn't stop him from feeling left out, as well as acknowledging the fact that he would miss his best friend and most especially the girl he adores so much.

Joey looks at Hugo and then her mother as if asking her for help, but when her mother looked at her clueless, she sighed. Once again, she had found herself, not having a good enough excuse to say no to Hugo and she dislike herself for it as well as not liking Hugo for putting her in that situation.

"Fine," she said sounding small.

Smile crossed the curly boy's face. Joey ignored it and bid her mother bye. Hugo followed not minding the dismissive demeanour from the raven-haired.

Once outside, Joey walked in fast phase, not so much caring for the boy that wanted to walk with her. She just wants to get to the flower shop not far from their house and get Charlie some flowers. Which flowers to get her best friend occupies her head, thinking of what flower would be best suited for Charlie. Personally, she just wants to give Charlie a single long stem rose, but that would be too cliché and common. She wants to give Charlie something unique, something that isn't commonly used.

"Jo, slow down a bit," Hugo requested tailing Joey.

"I need to get flowers for Charlie and I'll be late if I don't hurry."

The wavy-haired boy stopped and checked the time. No matter how fast they walk, they would still be late. He bet, Charlie and her parents already left for school. His mother Gina told him that the people participating in the competition needs to be there 1 hour before it actually starts.

"Jo, I think we'll be more late if we don't go straight to school," he said.

Joey stopped and turns to Hugo. She studied his feature, wanting to see if it's one of Hugo's way to steal her time away from Charlie. But the look of sincerity in the boy's eyes told her otherwise.

"Why is that?" she asked while checking her time and frowned. Sure enough, they will be late if they didn't go straight to school. Cursing under her breathe, she sends a silent apology to Charlie. Once again, she failed.

Sighing, she turns the other way to their school. How could she have forgotten to get Charlie flowers? Charlie was all she had ever thought of for the whole day. How could she have that one thought slips. Bowing, she looks at Hugo's flowers discretely insecure, that Hugo had remembered to get their friend something. Walking at her fastest, Joey thought of how much she might've disappointed Charlie again. Not only did she forget to get her flowers that she promised she would be holding with her in front seat but also, she had failed to show up and ride to school with her. Those couple of things were simple, but Charlie had always appreciated simple things the most, and it mattered to Joey if not as much then more than Charlie. Now however, she's determined to disappoint her brunette friend again, she would be there when Charlie steps in the stage and she would listen to every bit melody that Charlie produces.

Deep in her musings and determination to get to their school, Joey neglect to notice that Hugo actually stopped walking.

"Ahm… Joey?" Hugo called uncertainty. They are right in front of their school now.

Joey reluctantly turned but didn't stop walking. They are in the school premises, few steps more and she'd be seating at her designated seat, ready to hear Charlie play in front of a crowd for her.

"I know, this is probably a bad timing, but…"

"Hugo, it really is a bad timing. Whatever you're going to say, can't it wait till after Charlie's performance?" Joey said, keeping her phase, glad to have reached the entrance of their auditorium.

"I LOVE YOU!"

The boy blurted out sounding desperate. He had been anxious the whole day to tell the raven-haired his feelings. He had been practicing and preparing himself to say it, but it seems that Joey is slipping away –not that she hasn't been a bit distant to him compare to how close she is to Charlie.

At the sound of the three little words, Joey stopped from her tracks, her hand still clutching to half opened door. Hugo took this opportunity to walk towards her. Stopping on Joey's side, he slowly took it upon himself to close the auditorium door slowly, taking hold of Joey's hand and handing in the bouquet of flowers that he had been holding.

Joey just watched and remained quiet. She wasn't surprise of what Hugo said; she was just surprised that he had the guts to tell her. She had been doing her best to dodge Hugo's attempt of telling her. She was aware that Hugo had tried to tell her a few times before and she had successfully avoided it. It was surreal that her childhood friend had confessed how he feels for her, while she had been thinking of how she would confess to Charlie.

"Joey, I…"

'Charlie!' Joey thought and ignored Hugo as she opened the entrance to their auditorium, just in time to see Charlie stepped on the stage. Joey was in trance watching her friend owned the stage just by simply walking on it. She opted to continue walking to her seat, but stopped when Charlie seats on her tool and places her hand on the piano keys. And then, the said dainty fingers started moving, creating wonders as calming melody is created. Joey listened to it, letting the rhythm take her away as her mind drifts to the peaceful place Charlie's music is taking her. Her eyes are on the brunette looking magical with her eyes closed and she plays. Charlie had always been beautiful, but there's something about her feature, when she seats behind the piano that makes her a lot more stunning and Joey loves it. She looks serene; she looks like a dream in her reality –it was magical.

And then the tune changes and it was then Joey recognises the change in Charlie's face even from distance. Unconsciously, her feet move but again stopped when the notes produced carries an unmistakable sense of hurt as if the musician playing is in pain. Could Charlie be in pain? She asked herself. It hadn't escaped her notice that the piece Charlie's playing isn't the one that she had been practicing for weeks. This one that the brunette is playing is an unknown that she hadn't heard before. It's beautiful; it somehow seems like telling a story –from happy to sad.

Joey continued to listen, watching Charlie and noting no one else but the brunette. She could feel the hurt in the piece's notes and it breaks her heart. Charlie is playing by heart and for her to produce those notes; that melody… she sure Charlie is feeling it at this moment. She doesn't know what could've caused it, but she's determined to make everything better. The thought that Charlie could be feeling the same as the music she's playing is unacceptable for her. She wants her Charlie happy with her eyes shining and twinkling with cheekiness and warmth as well as her lips curved in a perfect smile.

The raven-haired is then brought back from her dreamy-like-state imagining the beautiful face of the brunette when the music stops and the crowd stook clapping their hands. Smiling as she looks around the people that were obviously impressed by Charlie, Joey was ready to run her way to the stage but stopped by the hand on her arm. Turning, she saw Hugo.

"Please, Jo…" Hugo pleaded in a quiet voice.

Joey looks at the boy's eyes and felt a little bad. She debated with herself if she'll let Hugo have it this time. Looking at Hugo's pleading eyes, Joey decided that maybe she should get this over and done with, because then she could have her chance with Charlie uninterrupted. At least then, they wouldn't have Hugo to worry about and everything is clear. She and Charlie could be together –or so she hopes.

Turning to look at the stage again and noting that Charlie wasn't there anymore and then turns to Hugo again, she nods and let him lead the way out. The sooner they talk, the sooner she could get to Charlie.

-o-o-o-

Soon, Joey found herself in the school garden with Hugo; the same garden where she found Charlie and Roman on their prom night. She does not feel quite right being with Hugo in that place, but it was where Hugo led her. She just want the talk to get started as soon as possible so she could find Charlie and congratulate her as well as so they could start their week away in the sea.

"Joey," Hugo started, taking the girl's hand in his. His heart beating fast and he knows he's wearing it on his sleeve.

"There would be no other way to say it, so… ahm…" he swallowed the lump in his throat. "I'm in love with you," he revealed all smiles even though he feels like he would have a heart failure soon.

Joey just looks at the wavy-haired boy in front of her; her eyes filled with tears. She's about to break Hugo's heart and she can't think of a better way to do it. Her heart aches for him, but she knows that she would never feel the same. While Hugo might have his heart for her, she has hers for Charlie. The girl she couldn't wait to see and spend the whole week alone with.

Minutes passed or maybe just seconds and Joey still didn't say a word. Her silence and the tears that are threatening to fall from her eyes told Hugo everything he didn't want to know or acknowledge for that matter. She doesn't feel the same way and it had been obvious. He was just stubborn to admit it or recognise the tell-tale sign that he doesn't have her heart –not the slightest more than friends.

"You don't feel the same," he whispered broken heartedly, barely audible.

Joey bit her lower lip as she let the tears fall and nodded.

"Not even a little bit?" Hugo asked hopeful. He knows he sounded desperate but if there's even a slightest chance that Joey might feel a little for him, then he would take it. He would take whatever he can get.

The raven-haired bowed her head and shook again. If her heart hadn't been stolen by Charlie a long time ago, she couldn't think of a reason why she wouldn't feel the same for Hugo. But her attention and adoration and feelings had been to Charlie a long time ago… longer that she could remember. It felt like it had always been there from the very beginning, just that she was too young to know what it was, but… it was there. It always had been. She couldn't even bring herself to say, if she had a choice because, she knew even if she had a choice, she would pick Charlie. She would always choose Charlie among others. And honestly, she would never have her friendship/relationship with Charlie any other way. Sure it's confusing at first and complicated and out of whatever is normal, but it's Charlie and she loves everything that is her.

Sighing and with a heavy heart, Hugo smiled and nods his head. He guessed, maybe in the future he might have a chance and she might feel the same –with some miracles.

"I understand," he said. "Maybe in time?"

Joey just looks at him. She wants to nod. She wants to say maybe just so to ease the pain that is masking Hugo's face, but she couldn't because she knew it would just be a lie. There will be no 'time' where in she would feel for Hugo what she's feeling for their brunette best friend. She's aware that it's pretty early to tell, she's just a few years in her teens and who knows what the future holds, but somehow she knew that in her hearts of hearts it would always be Charlie –regardless if they actually ended up together or not… Charlie would always hold her heart.

Silently, Hugo sighed. Joey's eyes showed that his hopeful 'time' might never happened. He doesn't know why Joey's seems so sure that there would be no future for them, but even with the blatant truth that the raven-haired is showing him, he's still hopeful.

"I hope this won't change us as friends…" Joey murmured.

Hugo nodded. He wants to be more but he would wait. He would be contented being friends for now, if it meant he can work his way to Joey's heart.

"I'll make sure it wont," he said with a forced smile, even though it still hurts to be rejected.

Joey smiled a little relieved. "Hug?" she offered and Hugo accepted gratefully.

Soon, she was in Hugo's arms and this time, she felt comfortable. She had made it clear that they couldn't be more and Hugo accepted politely as well as agreed not to let it change their friendship. She's happy that this part of the drama is over and she's free to confess to Charlie.

Her Charlie… the thought of the brunette's smiling face; the magical vision she had of her earlier while playing the piano; the serene beauty she witnessed in the afternoon, while she's basking in the sunlight… those very thought of Charlie made the smile easy to come by in her lips.

Charlie.

With the beat of her heart increasing, Joey knew she wouldn't be able to wait any longer. She has to find Charlie now and tell her exactly how she feels; tell her she loves her. She loves her for every reason there is or for no reason at all. Stepping out of Hugo's arms, Joey smiled and bid him good bye.

"I'll see you later," he said and with that Joey walked her way back to the auditorium and back stage.

Charlie wasn't there. She asked the other competitors and even Ms. Bates but no one had seen Charlie after her performance. With frown on her brows, Joey went to where their parents were and same as the other, they haven't seen Charlie but they informed her that Charlie went running as soon as she finished her piece. Joey's heart started beating a lot faster but this time; it is born out of worry. 'Where could Charlie be?' was the question running in her mind. She keeps walking around the school area hoping Charlie might've went for a walk to get some fresh air, but when she couldn't find her even in their music room, she decided to venture outside school.

If she had walked fast to get to their school on time earlier, she is now walking her fastest. Charlie had gone out of school without even waiting for the result; with the troubled expression that crossed her beautiful face, as well as the obvious sad half part of the piece she played; Joey is sure of that something happened and she wants to know.

She reached the Buckton household and even used the emergency key to enter the premises hoping that Charlie would be there only to find the house empty as well as the brunette's room. Leaving the house, she went straight to their spot on the beach and once again disappointed to find no Charlie there. With her worry increasing and running out of place to look for, she decided to wait on the dock in her father's boat willing her tears not to fall, praying to all that is holy for Charlie to show up soon.

-o-o-o-

Seconds turns to minutes and minutes to hours and Joey found herself still waiting for the brunette to come. The tears that she had been holding in earlier already escaped her eyes. She had been waiting for hours and the chance that Charlie ever showing up goes slimmer with every tick of the clock. It is very not like Charlie to stand her up without much of a word and it worries her, at the same time, pains her.

For the whole day even from last night, she had been planning preparing herself to tell Charlie how she feels. She pictured herself confessing and imagines –hopefully- herself in Charlie's arms as they sail together and with the happenings of tonight and Charlie gone… she could practically see her imagination cracking and breaking as well as feel her heart be the same.

"Joey, your father radio-ed me… he said I should take you home," her father's trusted employee Bob said. "It's getting really late; he said you can talk to your friend in the morning."

The raven-haired shook her head. "I'm not going anywhere. I'll stay here and sleep downstairs," she said determined. "Charlie will show up," she whispered wishing that it would be true.

"But Joey… your father said…"

"I'll deal with my father. You go ahead, Bob. I'll be ok here," she said. She sure that she'll get in trouble and chances are, her father might come and pick her up, but until that happens, she will wait for Charlie.

Joey looks at Bob, noting the uncertainty in his eyes.

"I'll be upstairs in the control room," the young man declared. He will never risk leaving the teenager alone. Joey nodded and thanked him.

Looking out in the water and watching the reflection of stars in the water, making it shines, Joey silently weep. 'Charlie, please come…'

-o-o-o-

Early in the morning, Joey found herself in her room tucked under her duvet. Bolting right up, Joey run downstairs not even questioning how she got home or to her room for that matter. Charlie could be home and she wants to see her.

"Joey," the teenager turned and saw her mother motioning for her to come and seat with her.

"I'll be back soon, I'll just go see if Charlie's…"

"Lorie called last night," Beth interrupted her daughter.

The teenager stopped and looked at her mothers. Slowly, she made her way to her and sat next to her.

"Lorie called late last night and said Charlie went to her Auntie's place in the city. They are on their way there today," Beth explained.

Joey bit her lower lip as sadness washed over her. Charlie went without much of a word and all too sudden. Tears automatically fell from her eyes. She could see that her mother only sees this as disappointment, but it's much more.

"I'll be in my room," she said and went back to the confinement of her room.

Seating on her bed, Joey let herself cry. She didn't quite expect that it would hurt so much. Is this what Charlie felt when she didn't show up earlier in the year on their supposed camping-after-birthday tradition? It could be. Sighing, and letting herself curl like a ball beneath her blanket, Joey wished for Charlie to come back. It doesn't matter if their plans are ruined. It doesn't matter, that she wasn't able to tell Charlie what she wanted and planned to tell Charlie. What matters is for Charlie to come back and tell her why.

See... Joey attended the recital. She's just not seated in her designated seat. :P