The Morning After

Hi, here is the last part of The Morning After. Thank you all for reading and a special thanks to the reviewers. ~S&L~ xx

Chapter 13

The Diner was packed with happy couples and parties of laughing friends, all enjoying the wonderful food which Leah and her Diner had to offer. She busily worked in the kitchen producing tasty culinary delights, while Irene and Colleen hurried to and fro placing meals and drinks in front of hungry customers, then collecting their empty plates afterwards.

Charlie and Joey quietly entered the establishment; pausing at the door and looking about them.

"Who are we looking for?" Joey whispered.

"Rosetta and Leah."

"Well, there's your Policeman over there, by the counter." Joey pointed out.

"Good!" Charlie grinned, gripping her girlfriends hand tighter. "That's just how I want it!"

Charlie walked to the middle of the restaurant and picked up a knife which was lying spare on a table. Using the handle, she rapped it loudly against the table top, attracting the attention of the diners. Charlie's eyes met Angelo's and he straightened himself up, looking uncomfortable.

"Ladies and Gentlemen! I'm sorry to interrupt your meals, but I have an announcement to make." Charlie said in a loud voice.

Irene and Colleen stopped serving and looked towards the Senior Constable with interest. A movement over by the kitchen caught Joey's eye as Leah made an appearance at the door; rubbing her damp hands on a tea towel.

Charlie swallowed and looked around at the expectant faces of fellow Summer Bay residents. Her own sister, Ruby, sat in the corner with a group of friends, frowning and wondering what was going to happen next. Her heart started to beat rapidly and her breath became short as panic began to set in.

"I'd... I'd just like to let everyone know..." Charlie started to say, but paused for breath before swallowing and continuing. "That Joey Collins, here..." She said, glancing at her lover and gripping her hand tighter. "is my girlfriend, who I love dearly and will always love, and if anyone else..." She continued, glaring at co-conspirators, Angelo and Leah, "has any problems with that, I'd be obliged if they'd mind their own damned business and get a life!"

Joey stared in disbelief at her girlfriend as she publicly 'outed' herself and declared her love. Charlie's angry face turned to her and she smiled with determination. Joey beamed back with pride. She never dreamed Charlie had this in mind, and was more than surprised at her courage.

The girls were jolted from their reverie as someone started to clap. They looked in the direction of the single round of applause to see Ruby, standing up and smiling proudly at her sister. Tears formed in Charlie's eyes as Martha, Hugo, Rachael and Tony joined in, shortly followed by Irene, who whistled very loudly. Within no time, the whole establishment had got to their feet and had joined in the applause.

Charlie wiped the tears from her eyes and beamed at Joey. Joey gave her a peck on the lips, which prompted another loud whistle from Irene.

Charlie looked back towards Leah and Angelo whose faces were contorted with anger. Charlie let go of Joey's hand and with a parting smile, walked over to them.

"Leah, my sister and I will be out of your house with immediate effect."

And with that, turned and walked back to Joey, took hold of her hand and kissed her on the lips, Then, slowly walked out of the door, leaving an excitable buzz behind them.

"Well, I never!" Colleen said quietly as she stood by Ruby's table. "I'd never have guessed it of the Senior Constable!"

"Well, you'd better, Mrs. Smart, coz when my sister makes announcements like that and has that look in her eye, she means it!" Ruby grinned.

"Oh, well, I'm not saying I agree with it because it's against nature and God's laws!"

"Well, I wouldn't mention that to the Senior Constable if I was you, darl, coz she might just box your ears, the mood she's in!" Irene advised; nudging Colleen away from Ruby.

Charlie and Joey ran down onto the beach, giggling and kicking up the sand like a couple of excitable school girls.

Joey, still laughing, twirled Charlie around and beamed at her.

"My God, Charlie! I'd never have believed that exhibition if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes! Charlie Buckton, you officially rock!"

Charlie flung her head back and laughed. The moonlight lit up her face; her eyes sparkled like diamonds and at that moment, Joey fell in love with Charlie all over again. She pulled Charlie into her arms and kissed her tenderly.

"I thought you said she would fall for it? And you said she still loved me!" Angelo whined as Leah washed up.

"How was I to know she was beyond flippin' redemption?"

"Well, what do I do now?"

"Go back to your stupid wife and stop bleating!" Leah suggested, angrily.

"But she doesn't understand me!"

"Oh, for fucks sake, Angelo! Get a bit of backbone about you! If you're that unhappy, give her the flick and get yourself a real woman who wants a man to look after her, care for her, love and cherish her, to have and to hold from this day forward..." She said, pulling him into her arms and smothering him with a tea towel!

"Where are you going to live, Charlie?" Joey asked as they walked along the shore line, hand in hand.

"I have no idea and care less!"

"You can always come and stay at mum and dad's..."

"It's a lovely thought, my love, but I have Ruby to think of. But thank you." Charlie replied and kissed Joey on the nose. "I shall ask Miles if he has a caravan free in the park."

"And if you need storage for anything until you have somewhere more permanent, there's a spare room at my place you can use."

"Thanks, that's great." Charlie smiled.

"Are you still okay with everything?" Joey asked seriously.

Charlie stopped walking and looked deep into Joey's eyes.

"You know I am. I'm fine with everything and frightened of nothing. This is the effect you have on me, Joey Collins. Ever since that day we met in your shop, you've given me hope for the future and the confidence to be myself and believe in me. I want to be with you always. I want to commit myself to you, one hundred and one percent; forever and for always.

~ THE END ~