Authors Note: Hey again, Thank you so much to everyone who reviewed. I got such a great response that I thought i'd posted the next chapter. I hope you all enjoy.

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The flames moved quickly and Charlie couldn't help but watch as a small spark from the fire landed on the curtains, within moments it turned into a flickering flame engulfing the rest of the fabric then moving onto its next item. She watched as the smoke became heavy, smothering. Leaving traces of black soot in the air which eventually came to rest upon the walls, ground and her clothes. The temperature had risen and small beads of sweat slowly rolled down Charlie's face, making things that much more difficult to concentrate. It was the sound of Joey coughing that made her come back to reality, noticing the fire was fast becoming vicious and the smoke filled the room, she needed to untie the tape…that was all that she could think about doing, her mind itching to know how she was going to accomplish this task, yet her body had already started to move, wriggling quickly as to try and free her arms.

'Charlie…'

Joey whisper holding back a cough, her voice low yet it was all that filled Charlie's head. She briefly stopped moving breathing heavily as the ratio shifted to more smoke then air. Waiting for Joey to continue, hoping that maybe she had come up with a plan to get them out of this situation because her ideas weren't exactly bullet proof. When Joey didn't speak again Charlie decided that her plan would have to do, surely this wasn't how she was meant to die!

'Joey, I need you to try and get your hands free!'

Charlie said keeping her voice calm, Joey nodded each of them twisting and turning both hoping that one of them would get free. The flames were becoming wilder, engulfing everything in its path. The heat was unbearable and the smoke did little to help. Charlie felt her body becoming heavier the smoke squeezing the air from her lungs, making everything seem blurry. Her mind spinning as she desperately tried to stay conscious, but her body was weak…unable to move anymore. Her breathing shallow as though she were a sleep. She couldn't say anything, her mind screaming at her to yell for Joey, although the goal to do that seemed miles away. She almost welcomed the darkness that had started to cloud over her, the escape from reality that over the last few hours she had wished to go to. Her mind feeling slightly at ease as a peaceful feeling washed over her, Charlie could hear the faint sound of Joey talking her mind unable to register just exactly what she was saying, all she knew was Joey seemed scared, worried. But Charlie couldn't do a thing as finally reality disappeared as to the scorching flames, thick smoke and Joey's voice.

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'Charlie, Charlie! Wake up!'

Screamed Joey her body struggling to get free from the restraint. She was starting to panic, and had good reason to do so. She needed to wake Charlie up; she needed to make sure that she was okay. Her body longed to touch Charlie, to tell her things were going to be okay. To see her beautiful eyes and to get lost in them. She couldn't just watch and wait for the fire to eventually reach them; she couldn't let Charlie down like that. Not after everything she had done for her, she had been her rock, her safety net when she felt like she was falling. She got her through a difficult time helped her see past it. Joey wasn't about to give up now. Charlie needed her and that was all that mattered. With one last violent twist Joey managed to get her arm free, sighing with relief. She made quick work to untie herself and Charlie, supporting the woman's back as she laid her gently onto the ground.

'Charlie, come on wake up!'

She said loudly shaking her slightly, Charlie didn't move her body limp, motionless. Joey's hand held tightly to Charlie's tears pricking at her eyes, there must be a way to get out of here! Joey looked around the fire was closing in it would be just a matter of time before it reached them. She could see parts of rubble falling from the roof and walls, the steady line of fire blazing mercilessly not stopping for anything. Her attention was drawn to the window as it cracked loudly, small indents creeping across the surface of the glass getting bigger and splitting into more tiny cracks. The heat must have affected it, causing it to become weak and fragile. That was it! The window, she could get out the window. She just had to figure out a way of getting Charlie out as well, this was most certainly going to be the tricky part.

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Ruby's heart beat was fast, her eyes stinging with tears. She sat quietly on a slightly uncomfortable chair her eyes watching as Leah spoke to an officer. It felt like hours since they had been at the police station, although Ruby was quite sure it had been less than ten minutes. She wished she could hear what they were discussing, whether they had any idea of where Charlie…for that matter Joey was. But she couldn't hear and had given up trying to lip read about five minutes ago. Her mind now solidly focused on her last words to Charlie, how could she have been so cruel? How could she just so easily throw words filled with daggers at her sister? She regretted what she had spoken, wanting nothing more than to take them back. She didn't want Charlie thinking she hated her, thinking that she didn't accept her for who she was. If only she could have said that, told her she understood. Ruby's head flick up quickly as she feels a comforting touch on her arm, her eyes meeting Xavier's his smile is warm.

'It's going to be okay.'

He say's gently nodding reassuringly. Ruby wants to believe him, she wants to have his faith. Her heart hoping that his words are the truth, clinging to their meaning. But, her stomach is churning making her feel nauseas and no matter how hard she tries she can't help but picture the worst. Tears again stinging as a few make their way down her face.

'Hey, Charlie is a strong person Rubes…I'm sure you have nothing to worry about.'

Xavier states rubbing her arm softly, Ruby nods slowly leaning into her boyfriend as she rests her head on his shoulder. Closing her eyes willingly as she breathes in deeply. Charlie was a strong person, she always had been. She had always been there for her, looking after her when their dad became sick with Alzheimer's disease. Eventually taking most the responsibilities around the house on. Never once complaining about what she had to do. Ruby admired her sisters' strength she wished she had told her that more often. Her thoughts were interrupted by a out of breath Aden running into the station, his face covered with worry and concern.

'Leah!'

He called out as he spotted her, catching both the attention of her and the officer. Ruby understood Aden's worry, he was close to Joey, and they seemed like good friends.

'I just heard about Joey and Charlie, do we know anything yet?'

His eyes are questioning as he awaits an answer, his body tense. Ruby stands slowly walking over to Leah; she wants to hear the answer just as much as Aden. Xavier stays sitting and Ruby suddenly feels as though she is alone, her hands become clammy as she looks over at Leah almost pleading for an answer, one that will put her mind at rest and make her breathe a sigh of relief.

'No not yet.'

Leah quietly says, Ruby feels her heart sink surely they would have found something…anything that could suggest where Charlie and Joey is. Her eyes are directed to another officer walking quickly over to them, he seems in a hurry and starts speaking before he even gets a chance to stop his fast pace.

'We've just had a witness come forward, saying they saw Charlie and Joey on the beach late today, apparently a medium built man with darkish hair had been lurking near them. We're looking into this statement now and doing everything we can to find this guy.'

The officer explained in a cool manner, giving a polite smile to both Ruby and Leah before nodding kindly and retreating back into his office. Ruby can't help but feel a little relieved, at least there not still at square one. Still her mind is desperately trying to think of anyone who might want to hurt Joey and Charlie, someone who would go to such an extent. Although it seems as Aden had come to a conclusion of his own, Ruby couldn't help but notice his stricken face watching intently as a wave of anger crossed his features.

'Robbo! It must have been him, that bastard!'

Aden no soon said the words before he turned on his heel and left the police station. His body language suggesting he wasn't too happy, as he muttered under his breath. Ruby straining to hear but his jumbled speech was lost on her. She looked at Leah more than a little confused, worry etched sternly upon her face. Hoping immensely that Charlie and Joey would be okay.

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Joey knelt beside Charlie as she slowly moved her arm behind the older women's back, carefully sitting her up a fraction. Charlie had been in and out of consciousness for a little bit now, muttering random words before passing back out again. Joey knew what she had to do; and she knew she had to act fast. So with what strength she had left she held tightly around Charlie's waist pulling her slowly as she made her way closer to the window. Charlie wasn't heavy, the only thing Joey struggled with was how limp her body was, finding it difficult to keep a grip. Once Joey was close enough as she needed to the window she gently lowered Charlie to the ground again. Her heart beating faster as she began to worry. What if she didn't make it out in time? What if Charlie didn't make it? She couldn't live without her; she knew she wouldn't survive if Charlie wasn't around. Joey held back her tears as she shook her head, no! She wasn't going to think like that, all she needed was to focus on the task at hand.

'It's now or never!'

Joey said basically talking to herself, her throat was horse as the smoke burned her lungs, suppressing yet another cough she turned to look at Charlie. Taking in a moment's thought she quickly unzipped her jacket her skin feeling the heat from the flames more then what she had before. Bending down Joey placed her jacket over Charlie, hoping that it would shield her from the ever growing fire. She then picked up some rubble, a piece of splintered wood that was once a part of the flimsy table. Without a moments doubts she swung the wood at the window, watching as a few cracks split across the surface. She drew in what air she could as she swung again, this time the window gave way as shards of glass violently shattered in front of her, coming to rest near her feet and outside. Joey allowed herself a small smile as she turned to Charlie, kneeling gently beside the unconscious woman.

'I'm going to get you out of here Charlie.'

Joey promised running her hand through Charlie's soft hair.

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Aden jogged quickly down the road, his blood pumping around his body as he pushed his self to go faster, his breathing hard and paced as he scanned the area where Robbo normally hangs about. Aden knowing this because since Joey had told him what happened he had kept an eye on Robbo, making sure he never went near Joey. The anger that had died down somewhat since he had been running, suddenly came rushing back as Aden laid eyes on Robbo. The man was throwing junk into his boot, his car filthy with dirt and mud. Before Aden had a chance to think things through he ran over to Robbo pushing him violently against the side of the car, his hands holding tightly to Robbo's unclean shirt as he stared mercilessly into the mans.

'What'd you do to Joey and Charlie?'

Aden screamed his face becoming crimson red as the anger soared through his body, causing him to shove Robbo again harder against his car, his eyes sustaining fury.

'Tell me!'

He yelled watching as Robbo laughed dryly pushing the younger boy back. Aden staggering slightly regaining his footing.

'I don't know what you're talking 'bout kid.'

Robbo states smiling easily as he fixes his ruffled top, Aden stepping forward as he again confronts Robbo. He can't let Robbo get away with this, he knows he has done something with Joey and Charlie and can't just let Robbo walk. He needs to protect Joey; she had confided in him…she had trusted him. He knows more than anyone else what she went through, she doesn't need any more trouble in her life.

'Whatever trouble they got their selves into, I'm sure they had it coming.'

Robbo adds making sure Aden saw his devious grin. Was this a game to him? Again anger fills Aden, overwriting his head, overwriting every sense in his body that tells him to keep his cool. Rational thinking out the window Aden sends Robbo to the ground with one swift movement, his fist colliding hard with the older man's face. Robbo reluctantly winces as blood appears, dripping slowly from his lip. Aden smiles just a fraction maybe irrational thinking was the better way to go after all, 'cause it sure felt good.

'Where are they?!'

Aden again asks this time his voice is noticeably calmer, yet holds a threatening tone as he stares at Robbo. Refusing to leave until he got what he came for…an answer.

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Joey's attempts to wake Charlie had failed; she needed her to wake up. It would make it that much easier to get out the window. But Charlie stayed unconscious not moving as the fire destroyed everything around them. Joey couldn't breathe her lungs filling with smoke as she coughed, air being restricted as her lungs panged for a decent breath. She couldn't help but remember back…back to when her and Charlie had been on the boat, she felt so peaceful, so safe when she was with Charlie. She could forget everything and just be herself. When they were dancing, nothing else mattered. It was just them in a world of their own. A memory that Joey treasured dearly. Joey laughed lightly remembering how alive she had felt, her mind suddenly stopping as she heard Charlie let out a quite groan.

'Why are you laughing?' Charlie asked weakly, a small smile playing on her lips. 'I'm pretty sure this situation is one where laughter really doesn't enter in anyway.'

Joey gave a smile as she looked at Charlie, relief washing over her…Yes! She was kind of trapped in a burning house, the flames fueled by gasoline. Her lungs seemed to refuse to work as she basically coughed more and more, and until moments ago her mind had completely left and she was caught laughing aloud in the worst of situations, but she had Charlie, Charlie who was now conscious enough to hold a conversation.

'So we're still in the middle of flames then, huh?' Charlie asked, smiling a little to lighten the mood. 'Thought you would have saved me already.' She laughed.

'Shut up, I'm working on it,'

Joey replied her voice light; she couldn't help but give Charlie a cheeky grin. Both girls' suddenly falling quiet as they hear a car door slam, followed by a loud scream.

'Joey!'

'Aden…' Joey whispered to herself glancing quickly at Charlie as her eyes sparked with new found hope.

Charlie didn't seem to hear Aden's scream her breathing becoming shallow, Joey suddenly kicking into motion. Aden was here, he could help. It wasn't just up to her. Joey quickly grabbed Charlie's arm and putting it around her neck as she tried to get her to stand.

'We need to get to the window.'

Joey explained her heart beating faster as Charlie only gave a mumble…she defiantly needed to get her out of here and fast. She wasn't going to allow her past to hurt Charlie, she couldn't. By now Charlie had basically her whole weight on Joey, her legs barely being able to stand let alone walk.

'Charlie!'

Aden's voice yelled, giving Joey more strength to get to the window. It wasn't far although in this moment it felt like miles away. Joey gripped tightly around Charlie's waist as she got to the window, coughing badly as the smoke surrounded her.

'Aden! Over here, help me get Charlie out!'

Screamed Joey hoping that her voice was loud enough, she sighed quietly as Aden came running up worry present in his features, his face stricken.

'What the hell happened?'

He asked although Joey was pretty certain he already knew most of it, Aden coughed slightly as Joey shock her head signaling for him to take Charlie. She looked in a bad way and immediately Aden nodded grabbing hold of Charlie gently, holding firmly around her waist as he lifted her out the window. Joey was relieved as she watched him pulled her to safety, laying her down a few meters away. Charlie was fine, she was safe…And to Joey that was all that mattered. Her mind at peace as Aden came running back, his chest rising and falling hard as he sucked in deep breaths.

'Joey, take my hand.'

He said coughing; Joey grasped his hand tightly as she made her way out the window. Her arm being placed around his neck as she suddenly felt very tired, unable to process what was going on. Her lungs still burning as she slowly sank to the ground, Aden crouching down next to her as he gently rubbed her back.

'I'll call an ambulance and the fire brigade.'

He said his voice calm. Joey just nodded her hand gripping tightly to Charlie's as tears started to form. The whole ordeal sinking in. If she ever saw Robbo again…well even she wouldn't be in control of her actions. He would pay…she was absolutely certain of that!