The Very Thought of You
Chapter 51
Charlie travelled home on the Whitstable bus finding it very hard to not to smile. She had managed to buy some flowers for Joey and was looking forward to seeing her girlfriend again. Her heart beat faster in anticipation and she imagined what she was going to say to her. She was not proud of the way she had encouraged Hugo to make love to her to prove that the rumours about her were untrue. It had been unfair to Hugo and she had nearly made the biggest mistake of her life.
***
Joey walked into town to buy herself a morning newspaper. She walked down to the sea with a mind to read and try and waste a little of the day. She found a bench and sat down. After reading a few news items, she rested the paper down on the spare seat beside her and sighed.
***
Charlie jumped off at the bus stop. She took a look at the sea and breathed in its saltiness and exhaled. Her head was clearer than when she'd left Whitstable the day before. Of one thing she was sure. She loved Joey and needed her and whatever happened from now on, even if it meant the loss of her beloved job, it was Joey whom she wanted to be with day and night, night and day.
Charlie hurried home hoping Joey would be there, but found the house empty and felt disappointed. After filling the kettle with water and placing it on the stove, she noticed two notes addressed to her on the table. She recognised Joey's writing and immediately opened it. It simply read:
Dear Charlie,
I'm sorry for all the pain you are suffering. I wish I could make it all better, but I fear things have gone too far this time. Your colleague suggested I move away and has given me this address (see over) to live at. I hope you can forgive me for all your sorrows.
With love,
Joey. xx
Charlie read Joey's sad little note wished with all her heart she could hold her in her arms to make her understand that she didn't blame her for all their troubles. She wondered if Joey was at her lodgings now. She fought an impulse to rush off immediately and instead read the other note.
It was dated Tuesday on Police note paper.
Dear Charlotte,
Please to come to the Police Station as soon as possible.
Yours,
Georgina Watson.
Charlie's heart jumped in anticipation of what news the station might impart. She grabbed her bag and gas mask box and left immediately.
***
Charlie walked into the station and was met by a smiling faced Watson.
"Georgina?" Charlie anxiously asked.
"It's all okay!" Her colleague whispered. "The old man will want to tell you himself, but you're in the clear." She said, as pleased as if she was getting the news about herself.
"Oh, George!" Charlie said, grabbing Watson's hands. "That's marvellous! May I go in now?"
"Yes, go right in!"
Charlie knocked at the Sergeant's office door and waited for permission to enter.
"Come in!"
Charlie opened the door and half smiled at the Sergeant.
"Come in, Charlotte. Please close the door."
Charlie did as she was bid.
"Please take a seat. Well, I'm very pleased to say that Mr. Collins' complaint has been quashed after a very hot denial from your friend Miss. Collins of any misconduct on your part, Charlotte. She confirmed that you were good friends but that was as far as the relationship went. She denied at anytime becoming involved in a sexual relationship with you. She was also most emphatic that you should take out a counter claim, against her brother, for damages to your reputation. This of course could be put into..."
"No! Uncle Fred. I don't want to take it any further. I just want to forget the whole thing. Please, let it drop." Charlie urged.
"As you wish, Charlotte. Now, I suggest you take the rest of the day off and be back here, bright and early tomorrow morning."
"Yes Sergeant!" Charlie said, smiling.
She was about to leave when she stopped and turned. She kissed the Sergeant on the cheek and smiled. The Sergeant blushed and Charlie left his office.
***
Charlie walked away from the Police Station feeling like a cloud had been lifted. Her one aim now was to find Joey and if she was willing, to secretly continue their affair. She took Joey's note from her pocket and checked the address and wandered off in the general direction.
A lone figure sitting on a bench, down near the beach, caught her eye. She grinned and started to walk towards the bench, her grin broadening into a huge smile when she reached it.
"Joey!" She whispered.
Joey's head shot round in a moment hearing Charlie's sweet voice and almost launched herself at the girl.
"Charlie! I've been so worried! Where were you?" Joey cried.
"I'm here now, and Joey, I'm cleared of the charges!" Charlie said, happily.
Joey gave a sigh of relief and she pulled Charlie down onto the bench with her.
"God! Charlie, I was so worried. Ruby came 'round to my lodging last night, worried that you hadn't come home. I tried to pacify her, but couldn't do it for myself!" Joey squeaked.
Charlie took hold of Joey's hand.
"Here, flowers for you!"
"Charlie, they're beautiful! Nobody has ever given my flowers before!" Joey said smiling with happiness.
"I stayed at a hotel outside of town." Charlie said, only telling part of the story. "When I got home, I found your note and a note from Watson calling me into the station. Oh, Joey! I'm so relieved." She said, her eyes, moist with tears.
"Charlie, I love you so much and have missed you!" Joey said, wishing she could take hold of Charlie to hug and kiss her.
"You could show me your lodgings!" Suggested Charlie, wanting and needing to be alone with Joey.
Joey was up on her feet in a moment and pulling Charlie along side of her.