Okay, so I'm not quite home yet and I won't be for ages but am taking a break and thought I'd post the next Chapter!
Chapter Five
Joey looked out of the window and sighed heavily. Neither woman knew where to take the conversation now. Charlie had honestly told her how she felt and how deeply she regretted what had happened but still, Joey couldn't stop picturing her with Hugo.
"I guess I haven't done enough to make it up to you," Charlie said sadly.
Joey gazed at her.
"If there's something specific you need to me to do, Joey, you just say what it is and I'll do it," she added. "Honestly, I'd do anything. It doesn't matter what it is if you'd only give me another chance. I can be everything you need to be now, Joey. I know I can."
Joey looked awkward. Charlie felt crestfallen.
"I just don't know if I can get over this," Joey said. "I want to. I really, really do but… but it still hurts so much."
She reached out to hold both Charlie's hands in hers.
"Charlie, you were the best thing that ever happened to me. I've never felt about anyone the way I feel about you. What we had was so special. It meant everything to me. But you destroyed it. And I honestly don't know if we can put ourselves back together again."
Charlie let herself cry. She visibly deflated. Joey watched their hands go slack.
"I guess I'd better get out of your hair then," Charlie said awkwardly.
She got up and shuffled towards the edge of the bed, her head bowed. She walked towards the door, pausing when she touched the handle. She looked back at Joey.
"I know it's not original but all I can say is that I truly do love you, Joey. I have never loved anyone before and I doubt I'll love anyone again," she said. "I hate myself for losing you but I respect that you have to walk away. I just want you to be happy and if I'm not the person who can make you feel that way then I hope you find someone amazing. I hope you find someone who deserves you."
She pulled open the door and headed outside. Joey couldn't fight her tears. She stared at the closed door for a few moments before leaping to her feet. She flung open the door and chased Charlie down the hall.
"Maybe we could hang out this week!" she cried.
Charlie spun round in surprise.
"You're here. I'm here. Maybe we could spend some more time together," Joey suggested.
"I'd love that," Charlie said immediately.
"I normally go for a run on the beach in the mornings," Joey said. "We always used to have fun doing that so… would you like to come?"
Charlie nodded her head vigorously.
"See you outside the restaurant at eight thirty?"
"I'll be there," Charlie said, turning away.
She turned back, pleased to see Joey was watching her go.
"Thank you," she said.
Joey smiled, hoping she had done the right thing. This was exactly the reason she'd left. Her world revolved around Charlie and having her nearby left her with the overwhelming compulsion to spend time with her. She wanted to forgive her. She wanted to be with her again. If Charlie thought Joey could ever be with someone else, she was wrong. Nobody would ever compare to the woman who'd so reluctantly fallen in love with her.