"Happily Never After"
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Anna quirked her eyebrow gently, "You two have moved back home together? Well...that certainly is a huge change for the two of you. Is this something you're both comfortable with?" Both Charlie and Joey nodded, as Joey spoke up, "Yeah...we've had an interesting week and...it felt like the right thing for Riley...as well as us...so we all moved back home together yesterday." Anna nodded, then indicated their clasped hands, "So does this mean the two of you are...?"
Charlie reluctantly dropped Joey's hand, "No...no we're not...back together. I mean things have been really good for us this last week but...things haven't changed that much. C'mon it's only been a week. It'll...probably take a lot more work for us to get to that place...if we both wanted to of course. But I think we're in a really good place with each other, we're beginning to trust each other more and we're getting along a lot better like normal...friends. I mean we were really close friends before we got together...both times before we got together actually. It's really good knowing our relationship problems hasn't destroyed our friendship.
We've decided the best thing for us right now is to hold off on the divorce. There's no reason to rush into it. There's always the small possibility this marriage could be saved and we've decided it's best if we wait a little while. If we do proceed with the divorce we want to wait until Riley's ready. Make sure he can see that we're still friends and that neither of us is gonna leave him, and that ending our marriage won't really change anything.
In the meantime, I'm trying to get used to juggling my job as well as being a full-time parent. I'm not going to go back to that place where I was always working, and being a non-existent parent who never saw her son by her own choice. And I'm giving Joey some space while she takes some time to decide exactly what she wants. I've changed a lot in the last couple weeks, and I'm giving Joey the chance to do the same without any pressure. She needs to do what's right for her.
Joey's still seeing Kaitlyn...and as long as she's happy...then I'm happy too. Joey's sleeping in the spare room...ah my daughter, Ruby's, old bedroom. Ruby moved in with her boyfriend Geoff several weeks ago so we...had the extra space at my...our place. We're sleeping in different rooms so people, or well Riley really, don't get too confused and think we're..." Charlie trailed off nervously, not noticing the slightly hurt expression on Joey's face when she had let go of her hand and stated firmly that they weren't together...and 'it'll probably take a lot more work for us to get to that place.'
Anna didn't miss the look on Joey's face, and knew instantly that these arrangements were a little bit different for the younger girl, and that maybe they meant more to her, "Well then...a week ago you two were sitting here...biting each other's heads off and very much on the borderline of going ahead with a divorce to end your marriage. And now here you are, both very relaxed and comfortable in each other's presence...am I a miracle worker or is this something that you'll be taking credit for?" Anna let out a quick smile at the end, jokingly.
Joey returned Anna's smile, "We've done a lot of work this last week...but I doubt any of it would've been possible without the guidance you gave us." "Well I'm glad to hear it," Anna grinned, "So now don't keep me in suspense...what's happened between you two this last week?"
Charlie smiled nervously, "We ah...took your advice...and started communicating with each other...honestly and without holding back. We went down to the lake and sat in the park and did the exercises you asked us too. World War III nearly erupted after the last exercise but...it actually helped us move forward and be a bit more honest with each other. During our drive back to Ruby's afterwards...we both geared up the courage to finally talk about...that um...awkward anniversary we last shared. We briefly touched on it during one of the exercises...but we opened up a bit more later on."
"And we realized," Joey continued, "That we both had our own completely different fears and vulnerabilities...that ah...as it turned out really weren't all that different. We weren't ready to sleep with each other that night and we've been avoiding discussing it...because we both felt embarrassed that we did something wrong that night. And finally after talking about it...we realized we had a lot in common with our thoughts. We just needed to take a chance and it's really helped us...develop this level of trust we have for each other now."
"Well it's about time you both talked to each other instead of ignoring your feelings. So what else happened this week that made you decide that moving back into your family home was the best decision for both of you and your son?" Anna questioned. The women looked at each other nervously, as Joey smiled, "I guess it started when..."
Four Days Ago
Joey jumped out of bed happily. Feeling content that her and Charlie had finally made some break throughs' on been honest about their fears and vulnerabilities, she smiled as she realized things were looking up for the pair. They hadn't even had the slightest fight since the appointment with the therapist, and Joey was extremely pleased by their own progress. But she knew they still had a lot more to work through.
Joey had a lot more progress to make if she was ever going to be honest with herself and Charlie about her feelings for her wife. Feelings that had slowly over the last few days been growing steadily until she realized as confused as she was...she couldn't keep ignoring them. It was getting easier every day to notice the subtle differences between her feelings for Charlie and Kaitlyn...with one set of feelings severely stronger,
Afraid as she was, she needed to find the right way to get rid of all her fears, so she could decide once and for all where her heart lay - with the love of her life who had shattered her heart or the girl she'd grown up with and knew wouldn't hurt her. And she hoped her own therapy session at the end of the week would help settle her nerves whenever she was around Charlie.
(Author's Note: Of course Joey neglects to mention this section with Charlie sitting next to her during the therapy session as Joey still hasn't worked out whether she can tell her – it's not that easy people!)
Joey grabbed her dressing gown, swinging it around herself, she then bounded into Riley's room but was slightly disappointed that he was obviously awake and downstairs. Joey's good mood didn't slow down as she bounded down the stairs. Spotting Riley sitting on the couch watching cartoons, she rushed up behind him, and kissed the top of his head, "Hey you're up early baby boy!"
Riley placed his empty cereal bowl, which he was holding in his lap, onto the coffee table. Turning around he stood up on the couch and pulled Joey into a hug, "Morning Mama J!" "Good morning to you too," Joey grinned, then pulling back she eyed him, "Well look at you, it's barely seven-thirty in the morning and you're already up, dressed, had breakfast, and judging by your damp hair...you've already had a bath. What brought all this on?"
"Just thought I could help out a little more in the mornings," came Charlie's reply from behind them, "Do you want some coffee Jo?" Joey spun around to accept Charlie's offer, but the smile on her face fell slightly as she looked at Charlie, "Um...no thanks...I'm fine." Riley sat back down on the couch, as Charlie walked back into the kitchen.
After a minute of hesitating, Joey followed her. Leaning against the entryway into the kitchen, Joey watched on intently as Charlie made her own lunch. Joey bit her tongue, "So...you're in your uniform?"
Charlie glanced down at her outfit, then turning to look up at Joey, she tried to smile, "High points for stating the obvious Jo." "You're going back to work," Joey noted sadly. Charlie turned back to the sandwich she was making, "Yeah...I thought it was time. Riley's arm is nearly healed. He'll be getting the cast off in a week or so, and I thought I could use my time to...do some good for the world...or ah the Bay I guess...at work. So I called my boss yesterday afternoon and told him I wanted to return back to work. This okay with you?"
"Umm..." Joey paused, "I just thought this should be something we should've discussed is all. You said you told your boss yesterday afternoon...when did you decide...and why didn't you tell me?"
"Guess it wasn't the kind of surprise I thought you would've liked," Charlie realized, "You're right I should have said something last night. I've been thinking about it for the last week or so...especially when we were fighting. I just guess I needed to know for myself that it was the right move...for us. Maybe I was wrong." Joey shook her head, "You can't just try and make decisions for us...without
including me Charlie! I told you that the other day. A heads up would've been nice instead of just surprising me like this."
"I'm sorry," Charlie apologised, "I didn't think it was such a big deal." "No of course you didn't," Joey huffed, "Here I thought we were really working together to sort through our communication issues...then you go and do this...abandon us for your bloody work again!"
"What?" Charlie looked at her shocked, "No Jo it's not like that this time I promise. I even managed to get a shift that'll--" "Oh forget it Charlie," Joey interrupted angrily, "Argue it all you want, you'll be back at work pulling fourteen plus hour shifts within a day or two. You love that place more than us. I really thought you'd changed...guess I was wrong." "Jo it's not even like that," Charlie tried to explain.
"I don't want to hear it Charlz," Joey shouted, "You'll never change. You're work always comes first and it always will. You didn't tell me you were returning to work because you knew that I would react like this. You knew that things will just end up...going back to the way they were. You slaving away at work and me trying to keep things from falling apart. Not again Charlie, I made it clear that I am not...going through that again."
"Joey?" Charlie begged softly. Joey placed her hands on her hips, "Don't even get me started on the fact that you knew...I had plans today. You said you were okay with looking after Riley today and now you pull this stunt to keep me from hanging out with Kaitlyn today. Forget it Charlie, it ain't gonna work. Since you're about to become the selfish work-aholic you've been for the last year, then you can forgive me for being selfish for once. I think I'm entitled to one day of selfishness. Find someone else to watch Riley today. I'm not in the mood. I'll be back to single-parent status tomorrow if that suits you?"
"Joey it's not even like...that..." Charlie threw up her hands in defeat as she watched Joey turn around and walk out of the apartment, not even stopping to say goodbye to Riley. Charlie bit her lip, not believing that after a few good days...one small thing could send Joey spiralling away from her. How could this be such a big deal? We're supposed to be learning to talk to each other...why couldn't she just listen to me for once?
Sighing loudly, Charlie grabbed her purse off the kitchen table, and made her way into the living room. Riley looked up at her, "Does Mama J hate you?" Charlie shook her head, "No sweetie she doesn't hate me. She's just...she didn't give me a chance to explain something. Don't worry baby boy she'll understand later tonight. Not like I've given her too many reasons to trust me that things are different this time. So you all ready to go?"
Riley nodded his head excitedly, jumped off the couch, flicking the TV off. Charlie moved towards him, then kneeled down in front of him, "You sure you're okay with this arrangement?" Riley leant forwards pulling her into a hug, "It's awesome! I can't wait! I get to spend the whole day with you at work!"
Charlie kissed his forehead then ruffled his hair, "Well it's not actually the whole day buddy. I'm just going into the office to help clear up some paperwork for three or four hours. That's all. No patrolling, no danger...just boring paperwork. You sure you okay with this?" "I love going to your work! All the awesome stories the cops tell me...it's gonna be so much fun," Riley grinned.
Charlie chewed the side of her mouth, "Think I'm gonna have to have a chat with my colleagues about these stories they're telling you. But like I told you this morning, Mama J's busy...and it's time I went back to work...but I am not gonna lose sight of what's important you hear me? Now promise me you won't do anything unless I tell you to. We're just gonna hang out in my office while I get some work done and you are gonna sit there quietly and...oh don't forget your hand-held computer game...I think you'll be needing that today."
Riley grabbed his computer game off the coffee table, "Is Mama J gonna be upset with you for taking me to your work?" Charlie leant up stroking his face gently, "Course not. My work might not be the safest place in the world but I'd never let anything happen to you. Besides being locked in my office all morning doing paperwork is hardly dangerous." "Are you locking the door to keep Angelo out?" Riley grinned.
"Heck yeah I am," Charlie chuckled, "Angelo is a continual pain in my work life. But I'm not gonna get upset about it. Oh and Mama J will understand why I decided to take you to work today. Don't worry so much, things are slowly getting better between us and I just need to prove to her that...there's more important things in my life besides work...and helping to raise you is definitely at the top of that list."
"You're the best Mama C!" Riley crooned. "You know Mama J told me something a few weeks ago," Charlie replied happily, "She told me that one day you want to be a cop like me. That true Ry?" Riley nodded his head enthusiastically, "I'm gonna grow up and catch the bad guys just like you."
"I think that's great Riley, though I gotta be honest, you know the parent in me wants to give you another dream 'cause this job can get pretty dangerous and that's the last thing I want for you...but then the parent in me also wants you to be happy 'cause whatever you decide...whatever choices you make in your life...I'm gonna be there to support you no matter what," Charlie revealed, "So will Mama J." Riley pulled her into another hug, "I love you Mama C!"
Charlie wiped away the small tear that fell from her eye, before pulling away, "I love you too so much. Now are you ready to go?" Riley nodded, "Yes, Mama C." Charlie smirked, "Are you sure baby boy 'cause I think you're missing something." "I don't think so," Riley frowned.
"Why don't you go up to your room quickly to check? Maybe you need to check your closet," Charlie suggested playfully. Riley eyed her suspiciously for a second before tearing away up the stairs. Standing up Charlie watched him take off, then giving him a minute she followed him upstairs.
Standing against the entryway to his room, Charlie grinned contently, as she stared at her son standing in front of the mirror, as he held up the shirt and hat she'd gotten him. Riley looked up at her, "This is the best present ever! My very own cop uniform! You even got my name...stit...stitched on the shirt. This is just awesome!"
Charlie walked over to him, once again kneeling beside him, "Well I can't have you turning up at my work dressed all unprofessional. My colleagues will think I've become quite the slacker in my time away. C'mon let's change you into this new shirt. You're gonna be the coolest kid in town." Riley wrapped his arm around Charlie's neck, in another brief hug, "I can't wait to show all my friends. You're the best mum ever!"
Present Day
Anna continued writing notes as the girls told her about Charlie's decision to return to work, and Joey's over-reaction, "Well now...I guess the communication you built up with one another...didn't work too well in that instance. So what happened next? Joey how did you react when you found out Charlie was only back to work part-time and that she'd already organised to take care of Riley herself? And then how did all this lead into you two deciding to move back to your family home?"
Sorry guys decided to leave the comments to the end of this chapter as I didn't want to spoil what was coming up...
Okay well where do I start after all those great reviews on the last chapter? - I suck! Yeah I know!
After reading this chapter I know you're all so very skeptical of me and probably hate me for not putting CJ back together at this stage.
Truth is I didn't realize how easy it was for you to assume that they would be back together - but re-reading that last section of the chapter...yeah I can see where I went wrong with that chapter cliffhanger.
I'm still learning so much by writing these stories and these reviews - especially from Kim :P - just made me see exactly how devoted you all are to see CJ back together in this fic.
Yes I completely underestimated how devoted you guys are to this so I do want to thank you for reminding me :P
Though this wasn't the result you were wanting with CJ not being back together the good news is - my writers block is cleared!
These reviews have reminded me exactly how invested you all are in this fic and you're the reason why I continue writing so I know exactly where I'm going with this fic now - and I am committed to fixing CJ's relationship properly for you!
Not that I wasn't before but now I am determined to make this absolutely right for them as well as everyone out there still reading :P
Trust me when things fall into place it will be - hopefully - epic! I won't be glossing over it by a fancy flash-forward making you question what the hell happened!
So I want to thank every single one of you for your reviews and hope that this will give you some hope for the future instead of kicking my ass for 'deceiving' you all again :)
Though they aren't back together and just living together as friends I can tell you this is a huge change for them and might just give them the chance for some reminiscing from their 'happily married days'...just a few things for you all to look forward to :P
Now enough talk from me - thanks again and I hope to hear your thoughts by reviews or PM's.
Oh and PS - IJKS thanks for taking the effort to finally get up to date with this fic! So much for only reading one chapter a day lol! You're too hooked on it obviously! But yes sadly you'll now have to resort to waiting for updates just like everyone else - and bugging me when I take too long! Feel free to check out my other fics to keep you busy...or on second thoughts don't...you could get hooked again - jk :P