This is especially for drowningnotwaving, as I am so in fond with you. I must be if I'm doing THREE updates in one day! I hope you all like it. It's short but hopefully sweet. Love, IJKS xx

Chapter Twenty

On Monday morning, Charlie arrived bright and early at Joey's flat in order to take her to court. Joey was half ready when she opened the door. She was in smart trousers but was still doing her shirt up. Charlie couldn't help but look. She and Joey exchanged a small smile before Charlie presented two take away coffees and two pain au chocolate pastries. Joey smiled and thanked her before leading her into the flat. Charlie headed on into the kitchen to warm the pastries up and tipped the drinks into proper cups. When Joey re-entered the room, she was dressed and forced a smile. Sitting down at the table, Charlie presented her with her breakfast. She sat down too and gently reached out to hold Joey's hand for a moment.

"How are you feeling?" she asked.

"Scared," Joey admitted. "But I'm very grateful that you're with me. Thank you."

Charlie smiled at her.

"I always... well, I've always..."

Blushing, she shook her head and decided not to share but Charlie was keen to know what she'd been going to say.

"I always feel safe around you," Joey said shyly.

Now it was Charlie's turn to blush. She lifted Joey's hand to her lips.

"I'm determined to always be there for you from now on," she promised.

They gazed lovingly at each other for a moment before Charlie directed their attention to their breakfast.

Joey was emotionally and physically exhausted from giving her statement. She was grateful at least for being allowed to take the stand in another room and speak via satellite into the court. She never wanted to see Robbo again. They'd set it up so that if she wanted to watch the trial, she could watch it with Charlie and an official on the screen. Having finished being interrogated, she fled the room to try and catch her breath in the corridor. Charlie hurried after her and held her close. She kissed the top of her head. Joey wrapped her arms around her waist and held on tight.

"I don't want to stay for the rest of the day," Joey decided.

"Are you sure?" Charlie asked.

Joey nodded, took her hand and led her over to an official to tell him that they were leaving. Climbing into the car, Charlie asked where she wanted to go.

"Let's just drive," Joey decided.

"Your wish is my command!" Charlie said, starting the engine.

An hour later, Charlie and Joey were driving around aimlessly with the windows down and the radio up. They sang along to the music and made each other laugh every moment they could in their desperation to cheer the situation up. Joey sighed heavily and leant back against the seat. She closed her eyes until she felt Charlie take hold of her hand.

"Are you okay?" Charlie asked.

Joey nodded but a few tears fell. It had been very difficult to relive everything that had happened. Worried, Charlie pulled over at the side of the road. She gently reached over and brushed her tears away. Joey sank into Charlie's embrace and wept openly.

They drove around for a long time but at around six o'clock, both women realised they were hungry. They stopped off for a takeaway and headed back to Joey's apartment to eat in private.

"I'm so proud of you," Charlie said as they served themselves food.

"I didn't really..."

"You were amazing," Charlie said firmly. "You were so strong today. Justice has been a long time coming and we're almost there. I really am so proud."

Joey smiled affectionately at her.

"Well, to be honest, I don't know if I could have done it without you."

Charlie was caught off guard. She turned a little pink and stuttered over her words. Joey grinned and pulled her into a tight hug.

"I'm so glad I've got you back in my life," she said.

"Me too," said Charlie. "Honestly, I don't think I could ever explain how much you mean to me."

She buried her face in Joey's neck, breathing her scent in and absorbing as much love as she possibly could.