The Very Thought of You

Hello everyone and thank you for taking the time to read this story. It's my first attempt at a fanfic, but I've really enjoyed writing it. Please feel free to review if you wish. Charlie and Joey's story really gets going from this chapter. Please stick around, but keep your tin hat handy! S &L xxx

Chapter 11

Charlie took the same route she had used a few nights previously when she went to see Joey Collins. This time, however, Charlie had no intention of hanging around, waiting for a possible appearance by Joey. This time she would use the front door.

Joey had just finished drying up the tea things. She was putting the plates back on the rack when she heard a tap at the front door. She took her apron off and pushed her hair back behind her ears and braced herself. Would this be another visit from Robert Cruze?

"Charlie!" Joey said, in surprise as she eased the front door open. "What are you doing here?"

"May I come in?" Charlie asked quietly. The younger girl nodded and opened the door wider for Charlie to enter.

"Is your brother at home?" Charlie enquired.

Joey shook her head. "He's popped out to do something."

Charlie was relieved.

"I'm so sorry about this afternoon," Joey said, quietly. "I really had no choice. My brother, you see..."

"It's alright, Joey," interrupted Charlie. I do understand, but I really think you should reconsider."

"I can't." Joey said simply.

"Why not?" Charlie asked. "Are you being threatened?"

Joey remained silent and looked at the floor.

"Joey, is there something else I should know?"

Joey looked into Charlie's pleading eyes. She smiled tightly and breathed in letting the smile disappear.

"Charlie, Robert Cruze spoke to my brother today. He told him that all I said about him was a lie and I had run after him. He told him I wanted to, to... go with him," she said shyly glancing at Charlie. "He said I wanted to do it with him, to prove to him that I wasn't a..." Here Joey paused for a few moments and swallowed. She put her hand to her mouth and blinked a few times.

"To prove what, Joey?" Charlie asked gently.

"To prove that I was normal and didn't prefer... to go with girls!"

Charlie sat back in her chair in astonishment. She tried and failed to comprehend the words which the younger girl had just spoken.

Joey couldn't look at her friend. Her face burnt with embarrassment. All she could do was to remain totally still hoping that at any minute the ground would open up and swallow her. The throbbing pulse in her ears almost deafened her.

Suddenly, Charlie stood up. "I think we could both do with a cup of tea."

Charlie handed a steaming cup to the grateful Joey. Joey still couldn't look at Charlie but at least her burning face was now cooling a little.

"Joey, I can't pretend to understand everything that is going on here and everything you have just said, but... but whatever it is, I think you had better try to explain it to me."

Joey took a deep breath and swallowed.

"Charlie, I am not like most girls. I don't have the same..." Joey stopped to think of a simple way of putting it so Charlie might understand. "Attractions – no, that's not the word. I don't have the same 'feelings' which most girls have for men. I – I like girls, you see." She swallowed again. "It's always been like that for me since I can remember."

She stopped speaking, allowing Charlie time to digest her words. Charlie sat silently for a few moments, trying to find something to say to make Joey feel less uncomfortable. She could think of nothing. Joey guessed Charlie was struggling with her confession and therefore, decided to say no more.

"I'm so sorry, Charlie. I've confused and embarrassed you. Please, don't worry about this. I'm fine. I think you may prefer to leave."

Charlie looked into Joey's sad eyes. Her heart thumped seeing the pain the young woman must be suffering with nobody to understand her. She smiled at Joey.

"Joey, I don't judge you for whom or what you are. Regardless of what Robert Cruze has done and said to your brother, you are still the victim here and we need to get you some justice.

At that moment, the door opened and Brian stood glaring at the Policewoman and Joey.

"What the hell is she doing here!" He boomed. "GET OUT OF MY HOUSE!" he yelled at the top of his voice.

"BRIAN!" Joey yelled back. "Please don't! Charlie is my friend. Don't do anything stupid!"

"What kind of a friend – the type that you kiss and cuddle with?" He hissed. "Yes, I've been talking to Bob and he's told me all your dirty little secrets! So, she's your girlfriend, eh?" Brian said looking Charlie up and down and sneering.

"How dare you even suggest that!" Joey said in alarm. "Charlotte is a Policewoman and was kindly checking to see if I was alright. She is not like that at all." She said, glancing at Charlie. "And another thing, I'm going to make that statement if it KILLS ME!"

Charlie felt her cheeks burning. She couldn't tell if it was with rage or something else. She stood up and tried to say something, but Brian's words came out quicker.

"I suggest you get out of here, NOW! And as for you, Joey Collins, get out of my sight and my house. I don't want to see your face round here again! You dirty little SLUT!" He stormed off into the sitting room and slammed the door behind him.

With that, Charlie took hold of Joey's hand and pulled her towards the back door.

"Joey, you can't stay here with him in this mood. It's dangerous. You'd better pack a few things and leave with me."

"But Charlie, I've got nowhere to go!" Joey said as tears started to fall.

"You can come with me." Charlie said quietly. "Go! Quickly!"

Joey did as Charlie ordered. She packed a few essentials and left the family home and her only relative in the world.