The Very Thought of You
Thank you again for your kind reviews. Please accept my humble apologises for any historical and geographical inaccuracies within this story. S&L xx
Chapter 17
"No you don't!" Yelled Charlie, "Give them to me!"
"Come and get 'em then, Constable!" Joey teased, waving a pair of Charlie's nylons in the air.
"If you don't give them back, you little rat, I'll have you arrested!" Charlie playfully threatened Joey.
Joey saw an escape route and took it, running for her life to the kitchen and almost knocking poor Ruby over.
"Sorry, Ruby!" Joey yelled as she made for the back door. "A copper's after me!"
With that, Charlie came thundering into the kitchen in hot pursuit of her friend.
"Where is she?" She panted. "She's got my only decent pair of nylons!"
"She went thataway!" Cried Vince, pointing and enjoying the fun. Ruby shook her head in disbelief. Two grown women, tearing around the house as if they were ten years olds!
Later, Charlie sat quietly in the kitchen sowing a button on her work blouse. Ruby walked in to get herself a glass of water and stood looking at her sister.
"Where's the other half of the comedy act then?"
"What?" Charlie asked, cursing as she pricked her finger.
"Joey?"
"Gone up to the allotment, I think. Why?"
"Just wondered, as you two can't do anything without the other these days."
"Not jealous, are we?" Charlie teased, glancing at her sister.
"No." Ruby said, pouting. She turned the tap until the water ran cold and filled her glass. She turned and looked at her sister again, still struggling with her sowing.
"Charlie, I don't quite understand this relationship you have with Joey. Don't get me wrong, I'm very fond of her, but, it's as if she's taken over your life!"
Charlie looked up quickly at her sister. She was at a loss for words for a few moments and then said, "Ruby, Joey is my best friend. Of course we spend time together. Just like you and Annie do."
"Not quite as much time as you and Joey, though." Ruby pointed out.
"Yes, but Annie doesn't live with you, does she?"
"No, but I'd also like to point out that Annie and I don't horse around like a couple of rampant kids like you two do!"
"RUBY!" Charlie cried, "What a thing to say! What on earth do you mean by that?" Charlie asked, her face flushing.
"Oh, it doesn't matter. By the way, it's the School Benefit Concert next week, are you coming?"
"Oh! Do I have to?" Whined Charlie, glad for a change of subject.
"Well, I wish you would. An upstanding member of the Constabulary, like yourself, should attend and support her little sister's School functions. Shall I put you down for a ticket?"
"Okay. Oh! Better get two. One for Joey, as well."
"I might have guessed, Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee."
"Oi!" Charlie complained. "What is the benefit Concert in aid of this year?"
"The M.A.B.F.S."
"What's that stand for?" Asked Charlie with a frown.
"The Maladjusted Adult Best Friend Society!"