In celebration of the right person being evicted from Big Brother tonight, here is an extra chapter. I never vote to evict because I think it's bad karma but each Friday, if the right person gets the boot, I will post a celebratory chapter! Hehe. We're nearing the end of this fic so I hope you're enjoying the ride. Love, IJKS xx
Chapter Eight
Charlie, Joey and Ruby sat together at the Diner looking through the menu and trying to decide what to order. Charlie felt more awkward than she had since everything had started. Being out in public and being served by the town's biggest gossip was unnerving and she hardly knew how to be around Joey. She didn't want to push her away but she knew she couldn't bring herself to be as affectionate as she had been for the last few days. And even though Ruby knew and accepted them, Charlie was worried that she was still finding it hard to take. Unfortunately, Charlie was painfully aware that her discomfort was rubbing off on Joey and she was desperate not to hurt her in any way.
"So, Charlie tells me she's doing a talk at your school tomorrow," Joey ventured. "That must be pretty cool."
Ruby pulled a face. Charlie laughed.
"I'm a constant source of embarrassment to my sister," Charlie explained.
Joey grinned.
"Unlike you, Joey, I don't worship the ground she walks on," Ruby smirked.
Charlie cringed and looked around, worried that people would hear her. Joey tried not to feel sad that Charlie was so anxious.
"Hey, there's Leah!" Ruby said.
She waved their housemate over and she greeted them with warmth.
"How was your weekend?" the restaurant owner asked.
"It was interesting," Ruby said.
Charlie fought the urge to kick her under the table.
"Oh really?" Leah said. "What did you get up to?"
"Yeah, what did you get up to, Charlie?" Ruby asked with a devilish smile.
"Um... nothing... not much... it was dull."
Joey frowned and tried not to take it personally.
"Okay, well, I'm going to grab some cake for VJ and I'll see you at home," Leah said, hurrying away.
Charlie's eyes immediately burned into Ruby's.
"Did you have to?" she demanded.
"I thought you were going to tell her," Ruby replied.
"Not in the middle of the damn Diner!"
Joey looked between the siblings uncertainly. Ruby mumbled an apology.
After dinner, as the girls headed to the car, Joey wondered aloud if she would be dropped at home or staying over.
"Staying over," Charlie said quickly.
She'd got used to sharing a bed with Joey and she definitely didn't want to sleep without her now.
"Okay," Joey said meekly.
"Unless you don't want to?" Charlie worried.
"Charlie, of course she wants to," Ruby interjected. "She's just anxious because you're so panicked about anyone in this town knowing you're together."
Charlie was about to object to that being true but then realised her heart had lurched at the thought of anyone overhearing Ruby. She sighed and apologised, taking Joey into her arms and hugging her.
"I'll make it up to you," she whispered with a naughty smile that made Ruby's eyes widen in horror.
Charlie just laughed and the three of them climbed into the car.
"Besides," Charlie said as she strapped herself in. "We did tell people."
"Who?" Ruby asked from the backseat.
"My boss," Charlie explained. "I had to step down from Joey's case against Robbo."
"Well, that's a big step," Ruby encouraged. "And really, if you're worried about it, just tell Colleen and everyone else will know in no time!"
Charlie shuddered but reached over to kiss Joey's cheek before she started the engine. They drove away unaware that Brett had seen and heard the whole thing.
Having said goodnight to Ruby, Charlie and Joey headed into Charlie's room. They were in each others arms the moment the door closed. They met in a searing kiss and before long, Joey had tumbled back onto the mattress, pulling Charlie with her. They giggled and kissed. Charlie's hand began to roam. She cupped Joey's breast and was pleased when she felt her respond. Joey moaned as Charlie nuzzled into her neck and continue to tease her over her shirt. She moved to kiss her lips again and began to fumble with her clothes. They paused when the heard shouting and loud knocking at the front door. Joey froze. Charlie climbed off her and headed into the kitchen where the noise was coming from. Joey followed anxiously behind her and both were stunned to find Brett there. He charged into the house, shouting obscenities at them.
"What the hell are you doing here?" Joey demanded.
"What the hell are you doing here?" Brett yelled.
"Would you calm down?" Charlie snapped. "There's a young child sleeping upstairs!"
"And does that young child know what kind of monster he's living with?" Brett yelled.
"What the hell are you talking about?" Joey asked angrily.
She took hold of Charlie's arm, wanting to protect and feel protected in equal measure.
"Don't touch her!" Brett snapped.
"I will touch her any time I want!" Joey argued. "She's my girlfriend, Brett and you just have to get used to that."
"You're disgusting, you know that?" he said.
Joey noticed for the first time that he was slurring. She immediately accused him of being drunk.
"Well, how the hell else am I meant to deal with my sister being a pervert?" he snapped.
"Okay, you need to get the hell out of here," Charlie said, stepping forward and beginning to bundle him towards the door.
"You're abusing my sister!" he said. "You've been taking advantage!"
"I'm in love with your sister," Charlie told him firmly. "And I would never do anything to hurt her!"
She slammed the door in his face and turned around. Leah was standing behind them looking stunned.
