The Very Thought of You

Chapter 44

Sunday morning. Nobody was up at their normal hour. The incident of the night before had stolen their sleeping hours and before they retired, the three women had agreed to get up when they felt ready.

Joey awoke happily finding herself tangled up with a warm and cosy, Charlie. She smiled gently as she watched Charlie breathe in and out in her slumber. She lay for a long while watching her, dreaming of the day they would be together, always. No longer able to resist, she traced the outline of Charlie's lips with her index finger. Charlie sleepily moaned and half opened her eyes. She grinned back at the smiling Joey.

"Hello you." Charlie croaked.

"Hello to you." Joey replied, delighted to have disturbed Charlie.

"What time is it?" Charlie asked, yawning.

"Not time yet." Joey smiled shifting slightly and gently placing a kiss on Charlie's lips.

Charlie responded by moving her lips gently on Joey's.

Suddenly, Joey sprung apart.

"What's wrong?" Charlie asked irritably, just starting to enjoy her lay in.

"I need a wee!" Joey said jumping out of bed.

"Oh, Jo!"

Joey shot off in the direction of the bathroom. Charlie remained in bed, thankful of a strong bladder.

Knock! Knock!

Joey looked up from the wash hand basin, wondering who might be calling.

Knock! Knock! Again.

"I'll go." She called into Charlie as she grabbed Charlie's dressing gown.

Joey unbolted the front door and opened it. There stood Brian Collins, looking angry and very drunk.

"Brian!" Joey said, surprised.

"Why didn't you come home last night, Jo?" Brian shouted, angrily.

"It was late, Brian, what with the bomb falling and all. They suggested I stayed here."

"Where's that cow you're sleeping with?" He yelled.

"Keep your voice down, Brian!" Joey hissed.

"Who is it, Joey?" Charlie asked, walking along the hall and stopping dead in her tracks when she saw Brian.

"Yeah! I'm talking about you, you dirty slut!"

"I beg your pardon?" Charlie said, beginning to get annoyed.

"Brian, please! Don't call Charlie a slut. Just go home, will you and sober up!"

Brian pushed past Joey making his way towards Charlie.

"I know you've been 'having' my little sister, you dirty, sick in the head, bitch!" He spat.

"Brian!" Joey shouted. "That's enough! Leave my – leave Charlie alone!"

Brian was about to slap Charlie's face when another voice from within the house was heard.

"Have I missed something here?" Janet stood looking bewildered.

Charlie and Joey glanced anxiously at each other.

"They're sick, the pair of them! Women together, it ain't right!" He shouted, pushing past Joey, making his exit.

Janet looked from Charlie to Joey and back to Charlie again. Charlie blushed deeply and looked at the floor.

"I'm so sorry, Janet." Joey began. "I can't apologize enough for my brother's conduct. I..." She said, unable to finish her words and glancing at Charlie.

Charlie remained silent.

"I'm not sure what all this is about. I think I'll just go back to bed. Perhaps we can talk a bit later." Janet's last words fading as she turned and walked back towards her room, frowning.

Joey and Charlie remained standing in the hallway in shock. At long last, Joey reached for Charlie's hand, and though Charlie allowed Joey's fingers to intertwine her own, she did not respond herself.

"Charlie, I'm sorry." Joey said quietly. "I wouldn't have had this happen for the world."

"Forget it." Charlie said, coldly, breaking away from Joey and walking back to her room.