Charlie woke up that morning, instantly missing Joey's presence. Where was she? Oh no, she thought to herself, have i pushed her away again?
In an instant her hesitation was gone as she read Joey's note. She's gone for a walk, to see about Ruby aswell maybe. Charlie's mind flashbacked to last night, the 'tell all'. Joey had stayed and she hasn't left. A good sign perhaps? Of course it is!! Charlie growled at herself, angry that she had even let such a thought enter her head. Joey's back, she's not leaving this time. Charlie had learnt from her past mistakes.
"I'm not the same woman i was 12 months ago. I'm no longer a mess. I know what i want and that is plainly and simply, my two girls by my side each day. Ruby and Joey- my daughter and my girlfriend. They make my world complete and i have to fight to do this right. I'm not going to stuff up their lives again, or mine!!" She thought to herself.
After contemplating her thoughts, and getting dressed she heard a couple of voices amid howls of laughter. Finishing off the touches to her outfit, she was about to walk out when in bound Joey.
"Oh Charlie!! Good morning Darling, I've bought you some breakfast and a special surprise", she said as she planted a gentle kiss on Charlie's lips.
"To what do i do the honours of a surprise?" Charlie replied as she pulled Joey in closer and continued a longer, deeper kiss, her hands gliding under Joey's top, caressing her body.
"Ah, come out and you will see, anyway breakfast's getting cold", Joey stammered breaking free of Charlie's grip. "Besides we have all day to come back to bed and continue this... your surprise won't be waiting around that long."
"Joey!!!" Charlie cried, following her out of the bedroom "No fair!!"
As Charlie stumbled into the kitchen, desperate to still hold Joey's hand and feel her touch, she quickly released the grip on Joey's fingers and cried out "Rubz, hi!!", reaching out with a big hug.
Ruby returned the hug, both of them not wanting to make the situation unpleasant or uncomfortable for the other.
"Hi Charlie. I hope it's ok i join you and Joey for breakfast?"
"Yeah of course", Charlie replied smiling at Joey with thanks that she managed to convince Ruby to come over.
"How's school?"
"Yeah good. I'm doing the HSC in a couple of months, so it's pretty full on at the moment, but its school. How can anyone say anything great about it?"
"As long as your results are good, you can do anything Rubz."
"Charlz, can we talk about something other than school. It's covered ok." Ruby replied shortly, not sure if she really wanted to continue talking if all they were going to was discuss school and other boring topics.
"Please don't leave Rubz, just tell me what's being on in your life. I haven't seen you in weeks. I just don't want to upset ?" Charlie asked gently, realising she could totally screw things up if she continued to be head strong and maternal. For now, she realised, Ruby's relationship with her was on icy territory and as much as she wanted to change it, she had to tread carefully. Ruby coming over was the first step of many. She didn't want to stuff it all up now.
After enjoying breakfast together, the trio headed out for a walk down by the beach. Along the way they discussed all sorts of things, in the hope each of them would get a better understanding of the others thoughts.
Most importantly to Charlie and Ruby, they managed to finally get some idea of Joey's movements as to how long she would be in Summer Bay. Joey was supposed to be leaving on the next boat out, after it restocked its supplies, but she admitted she wanted to give Charlie a second chance, and so had decided to stay on one condition, that she find another job as soon as possible. She didn't want to be a financial burden to Leah and Charlie again. She had stood on her own two feet since leaving, and she didn't want to lose that independence again, just because she didn't have a job.
Both girls agreed to helping her find work, especially since Alf needed help at Noah's Bar and at the Bait Shop, and he also wanted to get the Blaxland up and running again as the diving side had closed down since Hugo had left town. Joey was optimistic about getting work, she was just hoping that her happiness with Charlie would continue. This relationship needed work and both girls knew it.
As Ruby parted from them to meet up with Annie, she thanked Charlie and Joey for a fun morning telling Charlie "I know you want me to move back in with Leah and you guys. I'm just not sure if I'm ready to do that. I don't want to impose on your relationship with Joey and it's my HSC year. I don't want to stuff that up just cos you and I can't talk things through."
"I understand Rubz. Come home when ever you're ready. Your room's always there for you and I want to be able to catch with you more often, even its just a coffee or bringing you some dinner occasionally. I love you Rubz" Charlie felt tears forming in her eyes, as she gave Ruby a hug goodbye.
"Geez, Charlie, you've become so emotional since i've got back. I'm not sure if i'm used to this new you" Joey laughed, grabbing Charlie's hand to head back home.
"The new me? You don't like? Wait till i get you home Joey Collins. You will see the new me and I'm sure you'll like it" Charlie purred into Joey's ear.
"Will i really? We'll see" Joey giggled as she felt Charlie's hand reach around her waist, pulling her in for a deep kiss.