Authors Note: Hey ya'll. This is more of a filler to explain things and lead up into the next chapter. Hope you like it. Enjoy.
Darkwolf.
Chapter 13:
Joey woke slowly, still wrapped tightly in Charlie's arms. She smiled. Charlie had taken time off work to be with her. They had two solid weeks to be together and settle into their relationship properly. They also had two weeks to get over the Robbo ordeal. As far as she was concerned, Charlie and Rachel were the only ones allowed to touch her because they were the only ones guaranteed not to hurt her. On some level she knew people like Ruby, Leah and Aden wouldn't hurt her either but she couldn't convince her consciousness of that fact just yet. She briefly wondered what Brett would think of his best friend now. She shook her head, putting thoughts of her brother out of her head. He didn't matter anymore. She had a new family now. Charlie, Ruby, Leah, VJ and even Aden were her family now.
Beside her Charlie stirred slightly. Joey turned in Charlie's arms to smile warmly at her girlfriend.
"What are you thinking about?" Came Charlie's groggy voice.
Joey's smile warmed further. She snuggled into Charlie who tightened her grip on the younger woman.
"You. Ruby. Leah and VJ. Aden. Family. That sort of thing." She explained.
Charlie grinned.
"You're our family too." She whispered.
She kissed the side of Joey's head.
"How are you feeling?" she asked.
Joey thought for a moment.
"I feel okay. A little jumpy but really it's a case of what's-done-is-done. I can't change what happened and there's nothing I can do about it except move on with my life, and my life is you." Joey decided.
She truly believed it was the only way to move forward. She knew she would still have problems but if she had Charlie, she could deal with what happened and move on.
Charlie smiled brilliantly. Though she was still worried, Joey's positive attitude could only help her move on. Charlie would have to be careful to make sure Joey dealt with the trauma, not just ignore it but her attitude seemed to show that she was going to deal with it the right way.
"You're my life too." She said happily.
The two women lay there for awhile, happily entangled. The sounds of movement came from outside their door but neither felt all that inclined to leave the safety and warmth of their room. However, Charlie hadn't seen Ruby much lately and they both knew the others would be worried about them. Charlie sighed.
"We should get up. Dinner will be ready soon." She announced.
Joey nodded.
"Okay." She whispered.
The two got up and dressed before heading out and into the kitchen. Leah and Ruby looked up as they walked in.
"Hey. You two finally up then, huh." She snickered.
Charlie flushed.
"Oh, shut up Rubes." She snapped, grinning slightly.
Leah looked over to a quiet Joey.
"How are you Joey?" she asked.
"Fine thanks. How's everyone been?" Joey replied, trying to draw the attention off herself.
Charlie's frown went unnoticed as Joey moved to get a glass of water, not feeling like eating at that moment. Ruby started babbling on about her and Xavier whilst Joey and Charlie sat down. Charlie watched Joey as she slowly sipped at her water.
[Maybe she's not quite as recovered as I thought?] She wondered.
Charlie got herself dinner but didn't push Joey to eat, just gently took her hand and squeezed. Joey turned slightly and gave her a thankful look. She didn't know what she would do without Charlie.
Just when they thought all the drama had finally stopped there was a knock on the kitchen door. They all looked up. Joey felt her heart stop.
"Brett."