Charlie had stayed with Joey in hospital through all the tests and x-rays. A smile hovered on her lips as she realized this was what she wanted in her life. Having Joey back in her life gave it purpose, a reason to get up in the morning and a reason to be happy. Reflecting on her life since Joey left, Charlie sighed as she remembered Angelo, Brax and Hugo. All of them only wanted one thing from her and they could never give her what Joey could.

Joey…. She was like no another person on earth. Charlie felt like she was on cloud nine, every part of Joey made her smile. She had a zest for life despite everything she had been through and for everything that Charlie had put her through, she still made a go of her life and came back to try again with Charlie. For that one decision, Charlie was forever grateful.

Both girls stayed overnight in the hospital. Charlie wanted to do the right thing this time. No errors or lack of judgment. Joey couldn't be happier, despite Brax's presence in the Bay; she knew Charlie would have to make a decision about her own life's direction. Deciding on breaking it off with Brax seemed a good start. Her initial hesitation to coming back was now a distant memory as she sat with Charlie all night talking. Joey told Charlie about her travels across Australia and her ambitions for the future. All she wanted now was a family to settle down with and work would inevitably resolve itself. Joey was clear on one thing above anything else- there had been no one in her life since she left Charlie. She couldn't let her go until she knew for sure there was no chance for them.

When Charlie heard Joey's admission of no one else in her life, the waves of guilt that had tortured her since 2009 came back tumultuous as ever. Charlie had tried to do all she could to be single but truth be told she was incapable of it. Brax and Angelo were proof of that. Both men told her she was not capable of being alone, she didn't have the strength for it. She also admitted to Joey that despite doing everything she could to be a better person, a better Mum to Ruby, she had made some serious mistakes with Brax personally and professionally. These decisions had plagued her at home and at work. So came the admission to Joey, Charlie truthfully told her she had made too many mistakes at work and so she was handing in her resignation the next day.

Joey couldn't believe it. For all the mistakes possible, Charlie giving up on her career was the worst one. She managed to get Charlie to hold off on handing in the resignation letter, instead they both agreed to take some time off together. Joey wanted to find that beautiful soul she left 3 years ago. The woman who sat in the hospital room today was no longer the confident, outgoing and happy woman with whom she fell in love with. In her place was a vulnerable, confused and emotionally manipulated woman. Joey still loved Charlie but she missed the laughter they shared, too much of the day was consumed with anger and fear. Brax was the cause of it but still… Joey took Charlie's hand, stroking it with as much love and more than she had when she first met and fell in love with her in 2009. Charlie felt the tingle through her body as Joey stroked her. No one else could make her feel like this. Joey was truly one a kind.

After talking all night and having the tests and x-rays done, morning had come round and the girls were exhausted, they fell asleep on the bed holding each other, a smile on each face.

…

Brax had searched high and low for Charlie, he wasn't giving her up. His last stop was the hospital as everywhere else he looked; Charlie was not there- the beach, her house, the police station.

Checking each room down the corridor, he froze as he noticed both girls sleeping. Realizing they were holding hands meant both of them would wake up if he wasn't careful. Slipping in to the hospital room, he attempted to break the two hands free of their hold. Success! The hands loosened their grip. Lifting Charlie off the bed, she grizzled and got comfortable against his chest. He sighed in relief when she didn't wake up. He slowly maneuvered out of the hospital towards the car.

….

Joey had woken up in a panic; Charlie was not next to her… she looked up to see Brax exiting her room.

With every ounce of energy she yelled out in a bid to wake her up from her slumber "Charlie!"

Jumping out of the bed, still very much in pain she attempted to run after Brax but he was too quick. The hospital doors closed as he left the building. Joey broke down, her body unable to run.

"Charlie" she sobbed "Charlie, wake up!"