Charlie's head was clouded as she slowly opened her eyes, the fog that kept her from thinking straight gradually disappearing as she focused on a clock. It was ticking quietly upon the wall, the jet black hands showing her that it was just past eight. Most likely in the morning Charlie thought, her eyes slowly scanning the hospital room. It was clean, very clean. She turned her head towards the left as she saw Joey. A chair pulled close by the bed as she rested her head on her arm, she was sleeping, peacefully by what Charlie could tell. Charlie only then realizing that Joey held her hand lightly; this comforted her making a smile reach her lips.

Charlie couldn't remember much about getting out of the burning house, everything in her mind seemed scattered. As though someone had smashed her memories into little pieces. The things she could remember was Joey holding her tightly, desperately trying to get to the window. She can remember Joey coughing, a lot. Staggering a little from the amount of smoke that surrounded her and calling loudly for help, although her voice sounded muffled and Charlie couldn't quite make out everything she was saying. Then suddenly the heat of the flames that filled the house and the thick suffocating smoke was gone and she was being gently laid on the ground by Aden, someone who Charlie had not suspected to see, but, was more than happy to accept his help. Feeling a calm sensation wash over her as he whispered 'you're safe now Charlie, everything's going to be fine.' The next thing she recalls is hearing the soft sobs of Joey before she was pulled again from reality, her world again becoming black.

Blinking back her memories Charlie gave Joey's hand a squeeze, feeling comforted by her presents in the room. They were both safe and that was something to be grateful about, Joey was right here within her grasp, and Charlie didn't want to let go. A light knock alerted Charlie to Aden as he hesitantly walked in, giving her a friendly smile.

'How are you?'

He asked Charlie noticing worry in his eyes, she returned the smile trying to ease the boys concern as she nodded slightly, licking her lips.

'I'm fine,'

Charlie stated, truthfully she was a little lost for words. I mean both Joey and Aden had saved her life, how was she meant to thank him. She couldn't even begin to think where she might start, or what she would even say. No words could explain how thankful she was, how much she appreciated what he had done. Aden seemed to relax immensely as he let out a breath he was obviously holding, pointing over to Joey as he spoke.

'She's been here a long time, wanted to wait for you to wake up.'

Charlie gave a small laugh; she knew she would have probably done the same thing if it were her in Joey's situation. Again she gave the younger girls' hand a squeeze not really minding if Aden was watching. All she cared about was feeling Joey with her, knowing she was close, near her. Aden took it upon his self to sit down, grabbing a spare chair from the corner of the room and dragging it closer to the hospital bed.

'They haven't found Robbo yet…the police that is, he probably did a runner.'

Aden said Charlie could tell he was trying his best to keep his voice calm, although her stomach still dropped. Surely he wasn't going to get away with this…he's gotten away with far too much as it is. She sighs, shutting her eyes in an attempt to understand why Robbo seemed to always get a jail free card.

'…But I'm sure they will catch him soon, apparently they found gasoline, rope and duck tape in his car so he won't get away with this.'

Added Aden, he seemed just as eager for Robbo to be punished as Charlie did.

'How did you know where we were?'

Charlie questions not really certain on how he had figured everything out, she looked over at Aden who let out a soft breath seeming preparing to speak.

'When I found out that you and Joey were missing I went straight to the police station, one of the officers there mentioned something about a man following you…I kinda just jumped to collusions,'

Said Aden, Charlie just nodded glad that he had made that leap. If he hadn't things could have turned out very differently. She gave him a small smile gesturing for him to continue.

'When I found Robbo I was angry, probably too angry. He wouldn't admit he knew anything so I hit him, brought him to the ground. I kept asking and finally he just coughed up everything…'

Charlie was quite amazed that Robbo had spilt everything to Aden, maybe he thought his plan had worked, that he had gotten away with it. God! Who knows, Charlie had given up quite some time ago trying to figure him out. She could not understand how someone could be so evil, ruthless in every way possible.

'Thank you,'

She said quietly Aden gave her a smile.

'Hey, don't mention it.'

He stood gently as he moved the chair back to its original place, turning as he reached the slightly ajar door.

'I spoke to the doctors earlier; they said you can be discharged later today.'

With that he exited the room, Charlie let out a long breath of air. Turning her focus on the still sleeping Joey, her body moving in a calm motion as she breathed evenly. Charlie didn't want this feeling to end, she felt safe and warm just lying with Joey close by. Shutting her eyes she listened to the soft sound of Joey breathing, her mind becoming hazed with sleep as she drifted into a peaceful slumber.

----

Charlie was more than relieved to get home, hospitals were not her thing. She had never much liked them, especially as a little kid. Her main memories at hospitals consisted of painful flu needles, checkups and the occasions where she would take her father in for his regular meeting with doctors. All saying the same thing, which was basically there was nothing they could do to prolong his Alzheimer's. There were also the few times where Ruby had been reckless as a child, broken bones est. With a loud happy sigh Charlie collapsed onto the couch, smiling as Joey joins her. She was more than happy to just forget everything that had happened, to get lost here with Joey. Although looking upon Joey she now noticed a worried almost scared expression. She was lost deep in thought. Charlie placed her hand gently on Joey's knee but got no reaction, she seemed as though she were in a catatonic state.

'Joey, are you okay?'

Asked Charlie keeping her voice calm, she knew all too well that Joey had been through a lot especially with Robbo. Robbo! A name that made Charlie cringe. Made anger boil beneath her skin till she couldn't sit still, what she'd give to see him pay. Everything he had done to Joey made her suffer and go through so much pain. How could he just shrug it off and laugh? He didn't seem to care; he had no remorse for another human being. Bastard Charlie cursed silently she hated thinking about what he must have done to Joey, and she was pretty sure Joey hated thinking about it too. Although she knew Joey often did, Charlie frequently noticed the younger girls' features change, becoming serious, pained. She would get lost probably way to deep within her thoughts, thinking, dealing the best way she knew how. Normally she would quickly snap from her mind giving Charlie a huge grin as though she had just been thinking about rainbows and puppy dogs, which Charlie knew was not the case. Although this time Joey didn't come from her thoughts, there was no grin or cute nervous laugh…just, thinking. Charlie couldn't take it so with one fluent move she took Joey in her arms, holding her firmly, protectively. She wanted Joey to feel safe, to know she was here for her and that she would never ever hurt her. She felt Joey relax her body shaking as she tried to hold back tears.

'Charlie…I was so scared, I-I thought you were going to die…'

Joey said as a sob escaped her, Charlie held tighter her hand running through Joey's hair soothingly.

'I don't know what I would have done if you…if you, didn't make it!'

Charlie tried holding back her tears but a few fell quickly down her cheek. She hated seeing Joey upset.

'It's okay, everything is fine now. I promise I won't let anything happen.'

Charlie's voice came out strained as she held back a rush of tears, the whole experience had taken a toll on her, she blinked quickly as to get the pictures of flames and Robbo's smug smirk from her head. Pulling back as to look in Joey's eyes. She was smiling weakly as she leaned forward giving Charlie a shy kiss on the lips, before pulling Charlie in for another hug. It wasn't until they heard Ruby come in did they part. Charlie looking at her sister straight away seeing distress on her face, quickly standing and walking over to her.

'Ruby, what's wrong?'

She asked her hand landing on her sisters' arm, Ruby's eyes met hers as she started to speak, glancing slightly at Joey who still sat upon the couch. Looking just as concerned as Charlie.

'Robbo's at the police station, they brought him in less than half an hour ago…'

Charlie felt her heart skip, a weight being lifted from her chest. If it weren't for the fact that Ruby was looking deadly serious and not at all happy she would have jumped for joy. She allowed herself to smile rubbing her sisters' arm in a vain attempt to ease Ruby's worry; she received a forced smile then was completely blown over by Ruby talking at a hundred miles per hour.

'I heard someone say that they didn't have enough evidence on Robbo, and that he had an air tight alibi…what if he doesn't go to jail Charlie? What if he decides to do this again?'

Ruby had grabbed Charlie's hand and held it tightly, not daring to let go. Her eyes starting to produce tears as she waited for her sister to reply, Charlie just smiled kindly. Ruby was very protective over her which could be a good thing and sometimes a bad thing. She placed her hand firmly on Ruby's shoulder this seemed to calm her immensely.

'Don't worry, whatever lies he has told to cover up won't hold…Joey, Aden and I are witnesses, he can't win.'

Charlie said calmly, her anger rising just thinking about Robbo. She knew there was no way his lies could stand up in court, getting it past the interview room was gunna be hard, let alone a jury. What Charlie would give to see him pay for everything he has done, with a quick thought Charlie turned to look at Joey.

'I'm going down to the police station,'

She said quickly, noticing both Joey and Ruby's utter confusion.

'I'm a witness they'll need my statement.'

Charlie tried to explain although she could see Joey's intense stare, surely she would understand that all Charlie wanted to do was make sure Robbo was going behind bars. Make sure that he had what was coming for him, he wasn't going to get away light with a few years behind bars, no! Charlie wanted to get revenge, she wanted to look into his eyes and make sure he saw that he had failed. Even if it was just for a passing second. Her mind suddenly snapped back as she heard Joey speak up.

'I'll come to.'

Three words she had not expected to hear from Joey, at first she was inclined to suggest that Joey stay at the house, but quickly nodded when she saw the same spark in Joey's eyes as she had in hers, Robbo was defiantly going to pay!

----

Joey wasn't exactly sure why she had insisted to go with Charlie to the police station, but she did know if she sat at home doing nothing, just thinking. She would most likely go crazy; she needed some closer even if it was just seeing his smug grin being wiped off his face. It wouldn't fix everything, how could it? What he has done to her won't go away that quickly, if ever. But she does know that knowing he can't hurt her or Charlie…or anyone else for that matter would be a huge relief. Joey wasn't exactly sure what to expect as she followed an eager Charlie into the station, Ruby tagging behind. Even though Charlie had insisted she stayed at home, basically resorting to threats when that failed, and then finally throwing her hands up in a surrender gesture as she allowed Ruby to get into the car. Joey receiving a cheeky smile from the younger girl which in turn made her grin just a little.

As they entered the station the first thing Joey noticed was a very impatient Aden, his hands were placed angrily upon his hips as he spoke in a hushed voice, the equivalent to a whisper/scream. The police officer he was talking to seemed a little flustered as she persisted that he sat down, and took in a few breaths as to keep calm although Aden refused to acknowledge her words as he let out a long annoyed filled sigh. Joey noticed his tense figure and was inclined to go over to him when she felt Charlie touch her lightly upon her arm; looking over to the older women she saw her staring harshly across the room…Joey looking to see what made Charlie suddenly so abrasive and cold.

'Come to see me off have ya?'

Joey didn't need to see who the voice belonged to, to know who it was. She felt her insides turn as she became still, paralyzed. Why did she always freeze? It wasn't exactly a great method when danger was around, it was like a fly landing on a frog…now that's just asking for trouble. Her mind suddenly rushed with thoughts, all flying by so fast. Why'd she come down here?

'What no kiss goodbye?'

Robbo said with faked shock, his eyes drilling into Joey's…and he seemed to completely ignore the two cops trying to lead him out of the station. Joey saw Charlie take a step in front of her, like she was trying to protect her keep her out of danger. Joey found this cute, Charlie was full of surprises. Although her being protective over people she cared about was quite well known, Joey couldn't help but smile. She liked meaning a lot to Charlie.

'I think you have a nice comfy cell waiting for you,'

Charlie stated her voice had become cold, harsh. Joey had always wondered how she could put up a strong wall so fast; to hide whatever emotion she was feeling. That was probably what made her such a good cop; she could detach herself from situations focusing only on the task at hand. Joey was snapped from her musings as she heard Robbo laugh, was this all just one big game to him?

'With any luck I won't be in there to long,'

He spoke confidently as he looked over to Charlie.

'I'm pretty sure your luck ran out when you trapped us in a house and set it a light!'

Charlie's voice became more emotional, her anger ceasing to hide.

'I don't know what you're talking about,'

'Oh, don't play dumb Robbo. I'm sure there is enough evidence to lock you away for good.'

Charlie took a step towards the restrained Robbo, her eyes dark as she glared at him. Joey hadn't really seen Charlie this way before, she could always keep most of what she was feeling inside, but, this was different. Charlie was mad, really mad. She made sure she kept Joey behind her out of reach from Robbo, Joey feeling somewhat safe with Charlie's position.

'No cell could hold me.'

Robbo spat, although he kept rather calm.

'Someone thinks to highly of their self,'

Joey turned quickly as she heard Ruby speak, momentarily forgetting about the younger girl. Ruby looked almost like Charlie, her eyes becoming a darker shade and her voice patronizing yet distant. Her face beheld a slight scowl as she glared at Robbo.

'Ruby, stay out of this.'

Quipped Charlie, turning briefly as to look at her sister. Joey could tell she didn't want Ruby making things worse, or getting in trouble herself, but Ruby just sighed not really taking in her sisters' words.

'I would keep your mouth shut if I was you!'

Stated Robbo…never one to take an insult easily. The comment makes Charlie turn back to face him, her eyes searching for any clue as to what he was thinking. Although Robbo only smirks at Ruby giving her a threatening look, this makes both Ruby and Joey uneasy but seems to not faze Charlie as she takes yet another step towards Robbo.

'Leave her out of this!'

She says loudly catching the attention of Aden and the other officer.

'Sorry, honey but I don't obey the law.'

His voice is low as he gives an even bigger smirk; Joey hears Charlie give out a small sigh and is just about to say something when Charlie suddenly lunges forward. Surprising everyone in the room as she hits Robbo harshly in the jaw, her expression unwavering as he staggers a little the two police officers supporting some of his weight as he finds his footing. Joey's heart is beating faster as she see's Robbo look at Charlie, his grin gone as anger replaces most of his features and emotions.

'Bitch!'

He yells and mimicking Charlie he lunges forward, only to be violently pulled back by the officers. Charlie takes a step back her eyes softening as she looks at Joey, a smile appearing on her lips as she lets out a gently sigh. Although Joey's heart is desperately trying to break from her chest she can't help but fill relieved, as though a weight has been lifted from her. Not only does Robbo get to spend a long time behind bars but he also has to live with being hit by a women. And Joey is quite sure he doesn't like being on the receiving end of one of her punches. Joey feels Charlie grab her arm lightly leading her outside and away from the commotion Robbo is making. She turns quickly to face Joey her eyes full of love and Joey just wants to melt into her arms, no one had ever protected her or stood up for her like Charlie had, not even her own brother. It felt incredible to be around someone who would literally fight off danger. Charlie seems relaxed, more relaxed then Joey has seem her in a long time. She smiles easily as she takes Joey's hands, her warmth soothing.

'Joey,'

She says gently. Joey keeps her eyes on Charlie's her own smile gracing her lips. Although it would have been a full blown grin if Joey had known what Charlie was going to say next, three words that fitted so well together, that came out clearly and meaningful. Words Joey had only dreamt of hearing but deep down never really expected to.

'I love you,'

Joey's breath caught in her throat, her eyes becoming wide and she smiled unrestrained. I love you the three words she clung to, holding every part of them close. She felt Charlie squeeze her hand slightly and without much thought threw herself into the older girls' arms, feeling Charlie wrap her hands tightly around her.

'I love you to, Charlie.'

She said, her smile never leaving her face as she spoke. It felt right, the words she had wanted to hear sounded true, more wonderful then she could have imagined. For the first time in what seemed like a very long time Joey finally felt complete. This was truly the start of something new.

The End.

----

Authors Note: Okay so I know that the ending was a little cheesy, but I wanted to add the heading into the story somehow...lol. I'm not sure about how I ended the story, but hope it is okay-ish.

I hope everyone enjoyed reading as I did writing this chapter, it took me considerably a lot longer then the other chapters...I've never been good at writing endings. ^-^ And I had a lot of things I needed to do this week. Also I wanted to thank my loyal reviewers, thanks so much! I was very surprised to have so many people review. ^-^