They entered the Diner. Nothing had changed, the same familar faces were there serving, Leah and Colleen, as usual in a frenzy from the peak hour rush. Joey's hand started to tremble. She was sure Charlie would let go and flinch, as she had so many months ago before their relationship became known to everyone.
Instead Charlie smiled at her in a reasurring way and tightened her grip, pulling Joey in closer.
"Joey!!! You're back!!!" cried out Leah, rushing in to give her a big hug. "You've been away too long, i hope you're back for a while now??"
For a moment, they let their hands go. Both girls wishing they hadn't.
"I've just come back to dry land today Leah, i'm not sure what's around the corner, how long i'll stay. I suppose it will depend on how things evolve here in the next few days" Joey replied, winking at Charlie.
Charlie didn't flicker, there was no sign of the insecurities that had plagued their relationship in the beginning. Instead she pulled Joey even closer, hugging her and grabbing her hand back. Replying "You think i'm letting you go now, I have too much love to shower you with. I'm not making the same mistake twice" she laughed as she kissed her gently on the cheek.
Joey stood in the Diner totally amazed at the woman standing before her. Charlie had changed so much, Joey couldn't get her head around it. She thought to herself how silly it was of her to have stayed away so long. But then maybe time helped both of them overcome their insecutities and learn from their mistakes. Maybe this time it would be better....
Charlie had ordered their meals and pulled Joey to sit down as they waited for their orders. She had so much to tell Joey, and she was hesitant too. The old saying 'The truth will set you free' was perhaps a good one but will Joey understand all the events of the last 12 months. Would she stay if she knew? Charlie decided there and then in the Diner, she had to be honest to Joey and tell her everything about Angelo and Ruby, she wanted to build this relationship with Joey on a solid base. No more lies. No more untold truths.
"Joey... earth to Joey!!!", Charlie called, waving her hands in front of Joey's face.
"Oh sorry Charlie, I'm just in shock, I'm still recoving from your display of affection right here in public, I just wasn't ready for it" she replied.
Charlie gently reached for Joey's hand and carressed it lightly, "Get used to it Jo, I want to right the wrongs of the past. I want to show you the Love you deserve, the emotions that i should have told when we began our relationship, I want to fulfil your every desire and be a Girlfriend who you're proud of.".... her voice trailed off as Charlie looked into Joey's eyes.... "I love you so much Joey, but I need to tell you some things when we get home, the Diner's not to the most appriopriate place", nodding in Colleen's direction " I just hope you will understand and not leave me again".
Joey was not sure what to make of 'the things', but as she looked into Charlie's eyes, she saw they were honest and loving, they weren't scared or angry. "It's ok Charlie, i want you to tell me the truth, how else can this relationship evolve?"
And so they picked up their takeaway and headed home, fingers intertwined, neither willing to let go of the other.
After dinner and doing the dishes, both girls sat down on the sofa, and Joey asked "Where's Ruby?"
So Charlie began explaining the events of the last 12 months since Joey left. How 17 years ago Charlie was raped and then became pregnant, How Ruby found out about Charlie being her Mum not her sister, the strain of that knowlege forcing her to move in with Irene, Ruby's diabetes and then Angelo. All the details of the relationship were out in the open now. Joey knew everything from the beginning to the end regarding Angelo. Charlie even told of the car accident where Brett hit her and Angelo found out about Joey.
"I want you to know everything Joey, it wouldn't be fair to you, or to us if I didn't tell you. I want to do everything right this time. I've learnt from my mistakes. Please dont leave me!!" Charlie rambled nervously.
Joey was once again in shock, her brain felt like it had information overload, she zoned out as she processed the words 'please dont leave me!!'
"Leave you", she replied "Charlie, all I ever wanted from you was the truth and its taken over 12 months for you to become the Lover i have always wanted. You didn't flinch in public today at the Diner, you have told me events of the past 12 months and more that make my head feel like its going to explode, but I can't leave you, not when you have become so confident and reassured in what you want. I'd be an absolute fool to not stick around and give it another shot!!"
Charlie jumped forward and gave Joey a bear hug "Thankyou... Thankyou... Thankyou..." she repeated as tears began to form in her eyes.
"Tomorrow", Joey continued "I want to find Ruby and talk to her, I know things are tense between you guys but honestly your relationship as sisters was beautiful, the way she stuck up for you when I left and all. I could only imagine how much better it could be if she came home again."
"I dunno... we're on speaking terms most of the time, but as soon as I try to use any form of motherly intervention, she shuts me out" Charlie replied frowning.
"Lets just see what tomorrow brings" Joey said with a smile.