Ruby lets out an exasperated sigh as she sees her mother sitting alone on the beach, sand blowing all over her uniform.
"Mum, aren't you supposed to be at work?"
"Aren't you supposed to be in school?" Charlie answers back.
"It's lunch time mum."
Charlie glances at her watch, "Shit."
"How long have you been sitting here?"
"Too long."
"Mum, are you ok?" she asks in concern.
"No Ruby, I'm not." Charlie gazes out across the water. "I've tried Ruby, she's just so hurt and I don't know what to do."
"You have to keep trying." Charlie smiles at her persistence. "Mum, you want to fix things, don't you?"
"Of course I do Ruby and if I have to, I'll apologise every day and do whatever I have to do to make this right, but I just don't know if that will be enough."
Joey stays listening at a distance a few moments longer, believing Charlie was truly sorry but unable to forget the pain, she turns and walks away.
Ruby looks thoughtful, "Mum, do you think something happened to Joey as a kid?"
"Why do you say that?"
"I'm not sure, I just got this feeling when I was talking to her about Robbo that she knew exactly what I was going through." Charlie puts her arm around her and draws her closer, thinking over the way Joey had reacted to certain things. "It would explain why she's so hurt, wouldn't it?"
"Any one would be hurt by what I said, but I think you may be right," Charlie admits, her heart breaking at the thought of anyone hurting Joey as a child.
"What sort of person could do that sort of thing?"
"I don't know Ruby. I could never imagine hurting you and I've never understood how people could hurt a child."
Ruby leans against her, her head on her shoulder. "She always made me feel better after I'd talked to her, I wish I could do the same for her."
"I know you miss her Ruby and I'm sorry I've ruined this for you."
"You're missing her too, aren't you?"
"Yeah, I am. After the way we started off, she was the last person I would have expected to like, but somehow, I found myself..." Charlie cuts herself off, afraid she'd admit something she shouldn't.
"It's ok to say that you like her mum," Ruby says, trying to encourage her.
"I do like her Ruby."
Ruby smiles against her mother's shoulder, deciding not to push her any further, she suggests that her mother speak to Watson.
"Georgina's not exactly talking to me at the moment."
"Make her."
Charlie chuckles, "This is Georgina we're talking about."
"She and Joey really are alike."
"Yeah, both stubborn, pig-headed, forceful and unforgiving."
"Kind, loving, caring and the best friends you could have if they let you."
Charlie takes a deep breath, "I really do have a lot to make up for."
"So why are you here and not back at the station."
"Joey will be starting work about now, but I think I need to get through to Georgina first and that's no easy thing."
"Just keep trying mum."
"I will Ruby," Charlie promises. "Come on, I'll give you a lift back to school on the way."
Ruby follows her mother, "Mum, could you imagine if Colleen had found out about what you had said."
Charlie winces at the thought, "Ruby, I don't even want to think of that."
"Well, if it does get out, we'll just have to show everyone you were entirely to blame and you were drunk at the time."
"Ruby!"
"Well, maybe not the drunk part but you are entirely to blame."
"You're not going to let me forget this, are you?" Gazing at her daughter with affection.
"It's not every day I get to hold something over you."
"Don't push it too far Ruby."
"I think it's good for a few weeks," she grins at her mother.
Ruffling her hair, "Ruby, I don't know what I'd ever do without you."
"I love you mum, I just want you to be happy."
"And you still believe I can't be happy with Angelo."
"Do you believe you can be happy with him?" Ruby asks, watching her mother intently, seeing the conflict on her face.
Charlie sighs heavily, "To tell you the truth Ruby, I don't know where things are going with Angelo or if I even want him back in the bedroom."
"Doesn't that tell you something?"
"It tells me that I'm confused and that I'm so desperate that I'm taking advice from my 15 year old daughter."
"I'm very old for my age."
"Don't be in too much of a hurry to grow up Ruby."
"Don't worry mum, I have no intention of following in your footsteps."
"Thank god, I really don't want to be a grandmother for quite a few years, say 20 years."
"You'd be one hot grandmother though," she says cheekily.
Charlie laughs, feeling a little better about things for the first time in days.
"Where the hell have you been Charlie," Watson demands when Charlie finally returns to the station.
"I think you know."
"Stay away from my sister Charlie."
"Georgina, let's take this outside."
"What the fuck were you thinking of Charlie," Watson starts in on her as soon as they'd put some distance between them and the station. "I thought you and Joey had finally sorted everything out, hell, you were even using first names."
"I'm an idiot Georgina. I was dealing with my own shit and I fucked up and Joey got hurt."
Recognising the shame and disgust Charlie felt for herself, Watson finds her anger relenting a little.
"For you to accuse her of that after what she's..." Watson stops herself.
"After what she suffered as a child," Charlie finishes for her.
"How did you know?"
"I'm not a complete idiot Georgina, I've seen the signs and knowing she was abused as a child makes what I did even more unforgiveable."
"She's hurting Charlie and not just because of your accusation. Joey had a tough time as a kid, she never really knew how to make friends and for you to befriend her and then accuse her of molesting Ruby, she's confused and wondering what the hell she did wrong."
"She hasn't done anything wrong Georgina, this whole mess is all my fault and I really want to make things right, because despite the fact she treated me like shit at first, that she's frustrating and I can't figure her out," Charlie smiles, "I find myself liking her Georgina and I hate the fact that I hurt her. I need your help to fix things with her."
Watson sighs, "Charlie, I'm really not sure myself. Joey still struggles to let people get close to her and I saw how she was letting you in, but you hurt her Charlie and I don't know if she will be willing to risk that again."
"I have to try," surprising Watson with her determination.
Thinking things through, believing Charlie wanted to do the right thing, Watson nods her head, "Ignoring and hating you is making her miserable and I know she's missing Ruby and even you, so I'm not doing this for you Charlie, I'm doing this because I think you need to make this right for Joey's sake."
"Of course."
"And if you hurt my sister again, you'll have me to answer to Charlie and friend or not, I'll come after you."
"I wouldn't expect anything less."
"Ok, usually if she's being stubborn, I'd be harsh because sometimes that's the only way to get through to her, but I don't think that approach will work. I think your best bet is to offer no excuses and just be as convincing and as honest as you have been with me."
"That's what I've tried to do."
"You need to make her believe it though. Charlie, Joey's hurting because she likes you and feels betrayed, but if you make her realise that you really do want this friendship and that you're truly sorry, then she will forgive you, eventually." She grins, "You might want to take a few bottles as a peace offering though."
"I really do want this to work out Georgina, not just because my daughter will be extremely disappointed that I can't make this right, but because I was really starting to value the friendship that was developing."
Watson shakes her head, chuckling. "I'll say one thing about my sister, it's never dull when she's around."
"What's her daughter like?" Charlie asks out of the blue.
"For Joey to tell you about Harley, even by accident, says something about how she sees you Charlie and as for Harley," Watson pauses as she pictures her niece, "I always imagine that she's what Joey would have been like if she'd been shown the same love she shows Harley."
"Joey has a lot of love for her, doesn't she?"
"Joey adores her daughter and having Harley reminds Joey every day that she's nothing like our mother."
"She really isn't who I thought she was."
"My sister can be an absolute bitch, but when she does let people in, she's a very loyal and loving person, if a little frustrating at times. Look at Graves, most other cops refuse to work with Joey and give up on her, but Graves stuck with her and now they're good friends."
"I've seen that and I want to get back the friendship we'd started."
"Like I said, just be honest with her."
"And a few bottles of wine, right?"
"Right. Charlie, are you really serious about this?"
"Yes I am."
"Fine, then I'll make sure Graves and I are busy tonight."
"Thank you Georgina."
"Just remember my warning Charlie, she's my little sister and nobody hurts her without having to deal with me afterwards."
"I have no intention of ever hurting her again."
"Just don't forget the wine," Watson says as she heads back into the station.
Taking a deep breath, Charlie knocks on the door and waits anxiously for Joey to answer. "What are you doing here, Sergeant?" Joey asks, leaning against the doorframe.
"I wanted to say again about how sorry I am, there was no excuse for what I said and I certainly didn't mean it." Charlie takes another deep breath, "And I'd really like to make it up to you because I'd like to be your friend." When Joey says nothing, Charlie turns and sits dejectedly on the steps, her head in her hands.
"It hurt what you said," Joey says, sitting down beside her.
"I know and I wish I could take it back."
"I would never hurt Ruby."
"I know that and I hate that both you and Ruby were hurt because of my stupidity." Charlie smiles shyly at her, "Ruby's been missing you."
"After what you said, I didn't think it would be a good idea to see her, especially alone."
"Is there any way I could make this up to you?" Charlie appeals to her.
Joey thinks about it, "Intensive grovelling, absolute obedience and one of those bottles."
Charlie grins, "Two of those I can manage."
Joey shakes her head in disappointment, "I knew the intensive grovelling would be too much for you."
Charlie chuckles, "I was thinking more of the absolute obedience."
Joey snatches one of the bottles from her hand, weighing it up. "I don't really drink a lot, so I guess you'd better come in and help me with this."
"Georgie told me to bring a few bottles as a peace offering."
"She probably wants you to leave some for her," Joey grins as she holds the bottle up. "This is her favourite wine, not mine; I don't drink enough to have one."
"I'm going to have to have a word with her," Charlie mutters as she follows Joey into the house. "I really am sorry Joey."
Joey stops and turns. "Charlie, do you think I'm capable of abusing a child?"
"Of course not!"
"And you're truly sorry for accusing me?"
"I've never regretted anything more than what I said to you."
Seeing the same understanding in Charlie's eyes as she saw in Graves when she realised the truth, Joey smiles sadly, "You spoke to Georgie, didn't you?"
"She didn't need to tell me Joey, I've seen the signs with the way you reacted to things."
"Yeah, I'm usually good at hiding it but there are still times when it shows."
"You don't have to hide it."
"After all these years, it's kind of a habit." Joey sighs, "It hurt Charlie, but after finally being able to talk to Georgie about this, I realise that I can't keep letting this affect my life. It's been 20 years, it's time I moved on, so we're going to put this down to you having a bitchy moment and leave it at that."
"A bitchy moment?" Charlie asks amused.
"Well, I figure you're entitled to at least one after the way I treated you when I got here."
"Only one?"
"Yours was a real big one."
"Yeah, it was," Charlie says, hanging her head.
"I meant it Charlie, I'm sick of the anger and the pain, let's put it behind us and move on."
Pouring the last dregs of the first bottle into her glass, Charlie can't believe how comfortable she was feeling sitting there with Joey.
"Second thoughts?"
"Huh?"
Joey points to her hand. "You've been playing with your ring most of the night."
"Oh." Charlie stares at the engagement ring, "I guess it's more like 2nd, 3rd and 4th thoughts. Angelo and I are just having so many problems at the moment I'm not sure I can even be bothered to sort them out."
"If you plan on marrying the guy, you can't exactly ignore the problems."
"That's one of the problems." Charlie looks up from the ring, "I don't think I can marry him."
"Jesus Charlie, that's what I'd call one big fucking problem," she says grinning.
Charlie laughs at that. "Yeah it is. I love Angelo, I just don't think I love him enough to commit my life to him."
"So don't marry him." Joey holds her hand up to stop Charlie's protest. "Forget that I hate the guy and just think this through. Charlie, you have a daughter to consider as well as your own future, if you're having this many doubts, then it should be obvious that marrying him is the wrong decision."
"At first I was willing to blame all my doubts on you."
"Me?" Joey says in surprise.
"Well not so much you, but the investigation and all the pressure that came with it."
"And now?"
"And now he's changed so much that there are days where I barely recognise him as the man I fell in love with. He's so angry, saying all these hateful things," Charlie sighs in resignation, "And I think it's fairly obvious he's not ready to be a parent, at least not to Ruby."
"Charlie, do you really think Angelo's changed?"
"I know your feelings about him, but he was always good to me, he was charming, funny and loving, now he's angry and vindictive."
"Maybe you're just seeing him for the first time."
"Yeah, maybe," she says softly. "He accused me of being the one who had changed."
"Do you think you have?"
"Actually, I think I have. Before I never questioned things, I just did what was expected of me. I certainly never would have stood up to my father like I did or come down on Angelo at work." Charlie grins at her, "For that, I do blame you. You've made me realise that I was letting things get away from me at work, that I wasn't doing my job properly."
"Can you tell Georgie that my sledgehammer approach works?"
"No way, that would only encourage you to inflict it on others."
"Damn." Joey regards her seriously, "So what are you going to do about it?"
"I have no idea." Charlie smiles sadly, "Can we not talk about Angelo anymore?"
Into the second bottle, Charlie relaxes even more as they talk about everything other than work.
"Ruby will be happy."
"Was that one of the reasons you're here?"
"I'm here because I want to be here Joey. You're a pain in the arse most of the time but I like you and I like talking to you, which to be honest, I never thought was possible."
"Yeah, you've kind of grown on me too."
"Grown on you?" Charlie says in mock outrage, "You make me sound like a fungus."
"I definitely wouldn't describe you as a fungus."
"How would you describe me?"
"Would you like another glass?" Joey asks trying to change the subject. Reaching for the bottle at the same time, their fingers brush against each other, causing a spark.
"Whoa," Joey jumps back in shock.
"I could make a joke, but that would seem too obvious."
Reaching for the bottle again, Joey's hand shakes a little as she pours the wine, trying to forget what had just happened.
"So you really don't have a problem with me spending time with Ruby?"
"No. She trusts you and I'd rather she talk to someone than keep her problems to herself." Charlie regrets saying that when she hears Joey's sharp intake. "I'm sorry, that was insensitive."
"It's ok Charlie. I wish that there had been an adult that I had trusted."
"What about Georgie?"
"Georgie was only 14."
"So you kept it to yourself all these years?"
"No, I told my foster mum. I stuffed up one day and I stood there waiting for the first blow to come." Joey smiles, "It never did. She realised straight away what I was waiting for and she hugged me and held me while I told her what my mother and her boyfriend had done to me. I guess one good thing did come out of all this, I was finally able to open up to Georgie."
"I wish I could have found a less hurtful way for you to do that." Charlie reaches over and holds her hand. "If you do want to talk about this, I'm here for you."
Touched by Charlie's sincerity, Joey squeezes her hand back. "I think I'm talked out on that subject for the moment."
"Ok, then can I ask you a serious question?"
"More serious than what we've been talking about?"
"Yes, it's been bugging the hell out of me."
"You'd better ask then."
Charlie looks at her earnestly, "What's Graves name?"
Joey chuckles, "Sorry Charlie, but that's a closely guarded secret. Even the priest at her wedding said 'Do you Graves take thee'."
"You're kidding!"
"Of course I am. If she likes you, maybe she'll tell you one day."
"Has she told you?"
"Of course she has."
Feeling herself getting lost as she gazes into Joey's eyes, the alcohol in her system giving her the freedom to act, before she realises what she is doing, Charlie presses her lips against Joey's. Amazed at the softness of her lips, Charlie kisses her again, increasing the pressure as Joey's lips part to allow Charlie access. Wanting to feel more, she climbs onto Joey's lap, feeling almost naked in her tank top and shorts, groaning in pleasure when she feels Joey's hands slide under her top, her skin on fire wherever Joey's hands touched.