Authors Note: Hey. I am so sorry about how long this has taken but in my defence I had mid-year exams that I really had to study for and I am so behind in my math class I think my teachers gonna burst a blood vessel! Lol! But now it's all over and I can focus solely on Jarlie, yay!!! Thank you to everyone who reviewed, I really appreciate it. I will try to get chapters up much faster now, every couple of days if I can. How much does it suck that Joey's not coming back!!! I think they should replace her character just to keep the storyline going. Don't get me wrong, I love Kate Bell but any Joey is better than no Joey! Damn filming opportunities!!! Anyway, I'll cry after I post. Lol! Enjoy.
GO BACK AND RE READ CHAPTER 4! HAD TO FIX A MISTAKE! SORRY!!!
Chapter 5:
When Charlie awoke the next morning, it was to the feeling of safety and contentment of being in Joey's arms. She smiled and with a little moan of happiness, snuggled further into her lovers embrace.
"Morning beautiful." came Joey's sleepy but happy voice.
Charlie smiled, feeling playful.
"Not good to talk about yourself." she whispered in reply.
Joey chuckled, rolling her eyes.
"I was talking about you. I love you Charlie." she murmured.
She would never get tired of saying those words.
"I love you too Joey." Charlie replied just as softly.
Or of hearing them.
They were silent for a while before Joey decided to speak up.
"I was thinking of getting the last of my stuff from Brett's. I'm never going back there. Not now." she murmured.
Charlie looked up into the deep russet eyes she'd fallen in love with.
"Do you want me to come with?" she asked.
"No, it's okay. You have work today and I won't be long. I'm going while he's out. I should be okay." Joey explained.
"How do you know he'll be out?" Charlie inquired, worried for her girlfriend.
She didn't trust Brett. Not one bit.
"He always go's to his friends to get wasted. Comes home in a horrible mood…" Joey trailed off.
Charlie looked at her girlfriend sadly.
"He abused you, didn't he?" she whispered, she knew the signs.
It was more of a statement than a question. Joey smiled tightly at her.
"It doesn't matter now. I'm with you." she whispered.
She didn't want to talk about Brett or her dad or her childhood. She didn't want to remember the beatings, the screaming or the crying. She wanted to remember the way Charlie looked at her on the boat when she confessed her feelings. She wanted to remember their run on the beach. She wanted to remember nothing but her life with Charlie.
Charlie gently stroked Joey's cheek. She could see the pain in her eyes and decided to drop the subject. She could address it in the future if need be. Right now she wanted Joey to relax and focus only on happy things, like her.
"Yeah, you are. He'll never hurt you again. No one will." she promised, effectively ending that topic of conversation for the moment.
Joey smiled appreciatively at Charlie as she tightened her grip on the older women and sighed.
"When do you leave for work?" she asked sadly.
Charlie glanced at the clock.
"Shit! Now." she groaned.
Joey squeezed her for a moment before letting go with a sigh. "Hey, would you like to go out tonight?" she asked, brightening.
"Out?" Charlie asked as she grabbed her uniform and a towel.
"Yeah. I was thinking that I could take you out to dinner as a … official first date?" Joey explained, nervous.
A date would make their relationship official. It was Charlie's last chance to back out.
Charlie paused and turned to smile at Joey.
"Yeah. I'd like that." she softly replied, knowing that Joey was nervous for her answer.
[ I wonder why she is still so nervous about us. I thought I reassured her I was in this for the long haul. We'll have to talk about it later. Right now I have work. WORK! ] she thought, picking up the pace.
Joey grinned.
"Cool. Be ready at 8." she said, starting to get up herself.
"Wait! Where are we going? What should I wear?" Charlie asked.
She had no clue what to expect from Joey other than something romantic and sweet. Did lesbians do dating differently? She hadn't heard of anything different but she'd never really paid attention before.
Joey grinned at her.
"Well, you look amazing in anything… or nothing… but wear something nice. It's a surprise but I can say that it's an amazing little restaurant I know. You'll love it, trust me." Joey said lovingly.
Charlie smiled.
"I do trust you. With my life and my heart. Is this restaurant expensive?" she asked.
"Not telling. See you at 8. I love you." Joey replied tenderly.
With a last kiss and a smile, Joey went to make Charlie an on-the-go breakfast for work. Charlie watched her walk away, shocked.
"I'll take that as a yes. What the hell are you planning?" she asked into the empty room.
Getting no answer she hurried to shower. Rushing into the kitchen she didn't see Joey anywhere. Ruby looked at her in amusement.
"Hey sis! Great to see you too!" she laughed.
"Huh?" Charlie asked, upset that her girlfriend wasn't there.
"She needed to take a shower. She made you toast so you could eat on the run. You're late for work." Ruby explained.
Charlie saw the toast in a napkin on a plate. She smiled.
[ Joey is so thoughtful and sweet. I am so lucky to have her! ]
Then the other thing Ruby said sunk in. She looked at the clock.
"Shit!" she yelped.
Grabbing the toast she ran out the door throwing a goodbye to Ruby over her shoulder.