Thank you to everyone who is reading and reviewing this. It was a bit of an experiment so I hope you'll continue to enjoy it. We'll see Joey in chapter twelve. Love, IJKS xxx
Chapter Ten
My night didn't quite go to plan. Ruby and I got all dressed up for Liam and Bianca's party and it really was going so well. I like to think I looked nice and when Bianca gave her speech, she made a big deal out of thanking me. She raised a toast to me and everyone kept saying how happy they were that I was alive. It only occurred to me then that this was the first time I had really been out in public since I got shot. I mean, I've been out and about and to work but this is the first time nearly the whole town has gathered together. I missed the New Year party Alf normally holds at the Surf Club.
Anyway, it was all going well until Brax and some of his gang crashed the party. I guess he was allowed back in after he left them for me. Part of me is glad because it means he's not alone but mostly, I feel sick about it. I do genuinely think that he could be a good man if he tried and if he got rid of the bad influences – namely Heath and the boys. But it's not my problem now. Although, unfortunately it was my problem last night and that was pretty scary.
Brax was drunk and out of his mind. He was slurring and aggressive as he charged through the party to confront me.
"What the fuck have you done to me, Charlie?" he demanded.
I saw Watson, Ruby, Leah and Bianca out of the corner of my eye, looking set to deck him if he got any closer.
"I don't know," I said, trying to keep calm. "What have I done to you?"
"You ruined my whole damn life!" he bellowed.
I have to admit I was a bit scared. There's nothing like near death to make you aware of the fragility of life. Once upon a time, I was a girl who was convinced I could take on the world. No matter how many near misses I had, I somehow thought I was invulnerable. Now, I know I just have to live out my life as best I can and be a good person when I reach the end. That's what I'm striving for anyway.
"I gave up everything for you!" Brax shouted.
"You gave up everything for me?" I snapped back. "I left my job for you! I sacrificed my morals! I was going to give up my home, my life…"
"And I was doing the same for you!" he yelled back at me. "I left the boys!"
"Not for long," I remarked.
"What the hell was I supposed to do after you made me fall in love with you and then turf me out at the last minute?" he said. "The boys are all I have left! And because of you, I nearly didn't even have that."
"I'm sorry you're hurt," I said reasonably.
Then chaos ensued. He leapt forward with his fists raised. I leapt back and fell over. Then I couldn't breathe. And the last thing I saw before I passed out was Watson knocking him to the ground.
I woke up in hospital and they kept me in overnight, warning me not to exert myself so much if I wanted to avoid hospitalisation time and again. Like it was my fault! I didn't mean to exert myself. I was just trying to have a nice time and celebrate my best friend's engagement. It's not like I deliberately invited my ex-boyfriend to attack me.
It was a frightening experience and I can't help but wonder if he was really going to hurt me. If he was then I really was wrong about him all this time. And I'm therefore relieved that I woke up and finally saw what was right in front of me. Sort of. I mean, I didn't exactly break up with him because of him. It was more because I know that Joey is my one true love. But more and more, I'm experiencing his worst traits and I am glad to be as far away from them as possible.
I've had to postpone my fishing trip with Alf but he said to call him when I was back on my feet again and he would make time for me. Ruby stayed here all night last night, which I felt bad about. She seems to be focussing a lot on taking care of me and much less on taking care of herself. Just for her diabetes alone, she has to be careful. Sleeping in a chair and missing breakfast really isn't the way to go.
Sid said that I could go home this afternoon. Watson stopped by to ask if I wanted to press charges against Brax for what happened. I haven't decided yet. Part of me wants to ignore the whole thing and hope it goes away. Part of me is angry about the way he behaved. Either way, I can't handle him being near me anymore.
Once upon a time, I had a strong need not to be in the same room as him because I was wildly attracted to him. It was almost an animal kind of passion and he very quickly consumed me and became my world. I had to stay away from him because of the connection between us, two people on opposing sides of the tracks.
Now, I need to stay away because he scares me. Because I don't think any of us have yet truly seen what he is capable of. Because I have to keep myself safe and intact if I am ever going to get to Joey.
Next time… Ruby and Casey break up, Charlie enjoys fishing with Alf and prepares to see Joey again…