Dear Reader, you have been cordially invited to the wedding of Aden & Belle. Yours, IJKS xxx
Chapter Fifty-Three
"Congratulations!" Joey said excitedly, pulling Aden into a hug.
Letting him go, the two of them sat down at the kitchen table as he began to explain how he had proposed to Belle.
"And she said yes! Right here in this kitchen!" he beamed.
Joey couldn't stop smiling.
"I'm so happy for you," she said sincerely.
"I know it's a bit of a rush but we want to do it right away," Aden explained. "So are you up for coming to a wedding in a couple of weeks?"
"I'll be there," Joey promised.
"Hey, it'll be yours and Charlie's first official couple event," he pointed out.
Joey smiled to herself. Then she frowned.
"What's up? Are things not going well?"
His concern touched her and she shook her head.
"No, no everything's going great," she confirmed. "We had the longest talk the other day. I told her everything I was feeling and she told me what was going on for her. It turns out that the reason she wasn't more reassuring wasn't because she didn't care. It was because the last thing on her mind was that she'd ever leave me. She loves me, Aden. She really does. She's not going to leave me for Angelo or anybody."
She couldn't stop smiling. Aden put his hand on hers.
"I'm really pleased for you. So why did you frown?"
"Charlie's Dad will be coming to the wedding, won't he?" she said.
"Yeah, him and Morag are invited. Morag... well, she's been amazing to me. She's really helped me out. And this is a problem, why?"
"It means that Charlie and I won't actually be there as a couple," Joey said sadly.
"Oh."
"It's fine," Joey said. "Her Dad's sick. She won't want to stress him out."
***
Joey arrived home just as Charlie was hanging up the phone.
"Hey, sweetheart," Charlie greeted, immediately opening her arms and inviting Joey into them.
Joey headed straight for the sofa and curled up in Charlie's lap, offering several kisses and cuddles.
"Did you have fun with Aden?"
"Yeah! He and Belle are getting married!"
Charlie smiled at how delighted Joey was for her friend.
"I know," she said. "Dad and Morag are coming in for the wedding. That was Dad on the phone just now. He seems to be doing really well lately. He even asked about you."
"He did?"
"Yeah, he remembers you from when we visited before," Charlie explained. "So, I was thinking maybe we could go to dinner on their first night back. That way we can tell them about us right at the start, before the wedding and then there won't be any awkwardness. Hopefully. I guess it depends on how they take it."
Joey looked surprised but thrilled. She'd assumed that Charlie would want to keep their relationship quiet in front of her father and step-mother. They had come a long way from the days when Charlie had been frightened to be with her. Now she seemed so comfortable and content and both of them had been feeling better since they'd talked. Charlie had made a real effort not to work too hard and she'd been careful about how she was with Angelo. She wanted to be friends with him and she did care about him and had made sure she checked on him each day since the incident with Tony but she was not prepared to risk what she had with Joey for the sake of anybody. And this included her father. There was no way she was going to sit through Aden and Belle's wedding hiding and pretending to be just friends with Joey. She wanted to be open with her and hold her hand. She wanted them to appear in pictures together and share in the romance of the day. All she could hope for was that her father would see how happy Joey made her and be able to look past the fact that she was a woman.
"You really want to tell them about us?" Joey checked.
"Yes," Charlie said. "I know I wasn't ready before but it was newer then. And I wanted to tell Ruby first. And now pretty much everyone knows and... I'm proud to be with you, Joey. I want my Dad to see how happy you make me. He's never seen me in love before."
Joey blushed. She felt a sudden longing for her own family, whom she would never be able to reach now. Both her parents had passed away and her brother was long gone out of her life. He hadn't coped with her sexuality and after the stunt he'd pulled which had nearly cost her and Charlie their relationship, she didn't want him around any more than he wanted to be.
***
Two weeks passed exceptionally quickly. Charlie had been busy with work but ensured that she spent plenty of time with Joey. She'd also been gripped by a compulsion to never stop telling her girlfriend how much she loved her. Things felt so much more settled now and Charlie was content that everything was fixed between them. She'd stopped analysing how Joey and Amber were together and Joey had been much friendlier towards Angelo. She was obviously more relaxed about them and their relationship. It felt good to have got over the hurdle and to know that they both only wanted each other. Now, as they prepared for Ross and Morag to arrive, Charlie was more excited than nervous. It helped that they had both liked Joey a lot when they met her the first time. She'd never known her father to have a problem with homosexuality and he'd most definitely mellowed in recent years so she hoped that he would be able to see past Joey's gender and realise that she made Charlie happier than she had ever been before. Ruby had opted to stay out of the whole thing, at least until it was done. She was still glowing from having turned sixteen the week before and thought she was ever so mature. As an adult, she had made the decision to not rush and see her father but instead, give her sister space to tell him about her new relationship. Ruby thought it would go well. She hoped it would anyway. She knew Charlie had been frightened of falling in love with Joey but now that she was there, she was practically a different person. She was more laid back, funnier and happier. She laughed more, relaxed and enjoyed her life. Although it had been a shock at first, now Ruby couldn't have chosen a better person for the sibling she loved so much.
***
"So, what's the occasion?" Ross asked his daughter. "Not that I object."
He and Morag sat opposite Charlie and Joey in a small restaurant just outside of the Bay. He'd been surprised when Charlie had requested the dinner so immediately and further still when Ruby had explained that she had other plans. Now he was puzzling over Charlie's friend's presence. He glanced at Morag who looked like she was more in the loop than he was.
"Well, I haven't seen you in a long time," Charlie said, sipping her wine.
She glanced at Joey who almost looked more nervous than she was. Setting down her glass she looked at her father directly. He meant so much to her and she had spent her entire life trying to make him happy, make him proud of her. Now, she could potentially wreck everything she'd worked so hard to achieve. But she had to take the risk. Joey meant too much to her not to go ahead.
"But actually, I do have some news."
Morag looked from one nervous face to the other. She was certain that Charlie was about to announce that she and Joey were an item. She'd seen the spark between them when they had visited in the city. It was undeniable. And she couldn't help but feel proud of Charlie for admitting the truth if that's what she was about to do.
"I'm um... I'm dating someone," Charlie ventured.
Ross perked up. He'd wondered if there was a new man in his daughter's life. She'd sounded a lot happier lately. Even while she'd been working so hard and had to deal with that awful Angelo back in Summer Bay, she'd been bright and sparkly. He geared himself up for details.
"It's... um..."
Charlie took a deep breath. Joey stopped breathing altogether.
"It's Joey."
Ross looked startled. Morag looked like she'd won a bet with herself. Charlie and Joey waited expectantly for a reaction.
"Joey..." Ross said, practising the name.
His eyes rested on his daughter's dinner companion.
"I'm guessing you're the only Joey in daughter's life," he said.
Joey swallowed. She couldn't read his tone.
"Yes," she said quietly.
He nodded and looked back at Charlie who was gazing at him, intensity in her eyes.
"Well, um... I won't lie and say I'm not shocked because I am. I've never... I've never known you to... um..."
"It's never happened before," Charlie told him.
"But um..."
Ross glanced at Morag who not only didn't look surprised, she looked pleased.
"You're happy?" he asked Charlie.
"Yes. Yes, I am," Charlie replied.
She wanted to reach out for Joey's hand but she couldn't read the situation well enough to know whether that would be okay or not.
"Then I'm happy for you."
Charlie broke into a big smile, her heart racing with relief.
"Really?"
Her father nodded, maintaining eye contact.
"Of course," he said. "All I want is for you to be happy, Charlie and if Joey makes you happy then that can only be a good thing."
"Joey really makes me happy," Charlie said.
She turned to her girlfriend who still appeared rooted to the spot.
"You make me happy," she said.
Joey beamed at her. She'd never been introduced to a girlfriend's parents before. And she was thrilled with Ross's acceptance, knowing how much it meant to Charlie.
"I have to admit I was suspicious," Morag piped up.
"You were?" Charlie asked.
"The connection between you last time you visited was very strong."
Charlie and Joey blushed, recalling exactly what had taken place that weekend to make them feel so much closer. It had been a real turning point in their relationship. Ross turned to study Joey. She was certainly very pretty and now that he knew the truth, the adoring way that she looked at Charlie made sudden sense. She had nice eyes, she liked fishing and she seemed very bright. From what he remembered of her visit to his house, she was modest and sweet and funny. And if Charlie was actually sitting here, willing to introduce the young woman as her partner, then he knew they must be very serious. Charlie had always been very private about her romantic life. She had never been one to bring boys home and introduce them to the family. The only reason he had known about her and Roman was because he and Morag had been living with the man at the time. And he had found out about Angelo on the grapevine. Charlie hadn't told him herself. So to sit there and declare her affection for Joey was a big deal.
"Joey," he said,
She looked at him, wide eyed and a little startled to be addressed directly. For most of the meal, she had been a mere observer.
"Thank you for making my daughter so happy," he said.
"I'm... She makes me happy too, Mr Buckton," Joey said politely. "I've never been so happy in my life. I love her very much."
Ross's smile widened, suddenly thrilled that affection had been confirmed as love.
"Then here's to Charlie and Joey," he said, lifting his glass to propose a toast.
Charlie's mind was reeling. She had hoped for acceptance but this was beyond her wildest dreams. This was practically enthusiasm. The four diners clinked their glasses together in celebration of love and honesty.
***
It was two nights before the wedding and Charlie and Joey had gone into different directions. Joey had taken her place at Aden's bucks' night with her best friend, Tony, Roman, Hugo, Miles, Gardy and Geoff. Charlie had a little reluctantly attended the hen night for Belle with Irene, Leah, Ruby, Amanda, Rachel, Martha and Nicole.
***
At Aden's, Joey was having a lovely time, although she was aware that she had drunk too much beer. She had, however, not drunk even nearly as much as Aden who was three sheets to the wind. The only thing she didn't like about the evening was the presence of Gardy. She didn't like him and she was aware that nobody else seemed to either. Nicole was still living with them, sharing Ruby's room because she hated the guy that much and having spent several hours with him, Joey could see why.
"So, is your girlfriend at the hen night?" Gardy asked.
"Yeah, she's celebrating with Belle," Joey informed him.
"Does that mean you're the guy?"
Joey looked a little taken aback and didn't know what to say. Roman shifted uncomfortably. He couldn't see anyone but the silence between statements meant that nobody was impressed.
"I think the point of a lesbian relationship is that there isn't a guy," Miles said cheerfully.
She smiled at him. Aden laughed.
"Yeah, but there must be some kind of gender roles," Gardy insisted, undeterred.
"I'm not the 'guy'. Nobody is," Joey said quickly, suddenly empathising with Charlie's struggle not to be labelled.
"But you're the gay one, right?" Gardy asked. "Charlie's just half a lesbian? You were doing her for a while, weren't you, Roman?"
Roman shifted again. He hated it when Gardy became inappropriate and he did it far too much. For the first time since he'd lost his sight, he was grateful. He didn't want to see Joey's unhappy face right at that moment.
"We dated for a little while, yes," he said quietly.
"So, she's not properly gay?" Gardy asked.
"Charlie's not into labels," Joey said, feeling protective.
Miles remained quiet, glad that nobody knew about the kiss he and Charlie had shared once upon a time in Melbourne when they had been searching for Melody. He wondered if she had ever told Joey about it.
"Oh, well, you know what they say about girls like that..."
"Let's stop analysing my best mate's girlfriend, shall we?" Aden said, annoyed.
Joey shot him a grateful look.
"I was just asking!" Gardy said.
"Well don't!" Aden told him.
He hadn't wanted the guy to come to the party in the first place. The only reason he was invited was because he and Roman were attached at the hip and Roman was his best man. But Roman had changed so much lately, he was starting to think he'd made the wrong choice.
"Charlie is a wonderful woman and so is Joey and I don't want either of them to be insulted or offended, alright? Now, let's get on with drinking!"
***
Charlie arrived home earlier than she'd expected. Belle's hen night had broken up and been more subdued than one would have expected. There definitely seemed to be something up, although she had no idea what it was. She wasn't sure she even wanted to know. All she hoped was that everything went smoothly at the wedding. After everything they had been through as individuals and as a couple, the two of them deserved some joy. Charlie said goodnight to Ruby and entered hers and Joey's bedroom, stripping off and changing into her pyjamas. Climbing into bed, she switched the light out and closed her eyes, vaguely wondering what time Joey would get home and what state she might be in. She didn't have the wait too long as half an hour later, just as she was drifting off, the door opened and Joey stumbled clumsily inside.
"Good night?" Charlie asked from the bed.
"Pretty good," Joey said.
She watched Joey's shadow strip and felt her snuggle beneath the sheets without getting re-dressed. Charlie welcomed her into her arms and accepted her kisses.
"I love you, Charlie," Joey said, sounding very tipsy.
"I love you too, Joey," Charlie replied softly.
"And I don't care that you're not into labels."
Joey rested against the pillows, sounding sleepy and far away as sleep began to claim her.
"I love you just the way you are."
***
A couple of days later, Charlie and Joey were sitting side by side in the open air, waiting for the bridegroom to arrive. Things were getting tense as fretful rumours began to spread that Aden wasn't going to show up. Belle was already there, waiting and looking like she was going to cry.
"I don't understand," Joey said to Charlie, who looked just as confused as she did.
They were sitting in the same row as Ross, Morag, Ruby and Xavier. Roman was already up front, on the phone in his smart suit, probably trying to call Aden. Nicole was fussing around Belle and Irene looked like she was on the verge of tears.
"Charlie?" Joey said after a few minutes. "Can we go and see Aden?"
Charlie looked uncertain but noting the urgency in her girlfriend's eyes she knew she couldn't refuse. Together, they got up and shuffled through the row, hurrying towards the car.
***
"Don't you tell anyone that I broke the speed limit!" Charlie made Joey promise when she pulled up outside the house.
"I swear!" Joey chuckled, leaping out of the car.
She knocked loudly on the front door. There was no answer so she kept on knocking.
***
Inside the house, dressed but not prepared to go to the wedding, Aden sat on the sofa. Finally, the constant knocking on the door drove him to despair and he leapt up, pulling it open, ready to angrily confront whoever it was.
"What the...!" he started.
Joey pushed her way inside.
"Don't you have somewhere you need to be?" she demanded, closing the door behind her.
Aden stared at his friend with his mouth open.
"Well?"
Finally, he burst into tears, stunning both of them.
"Aden?" Joey said more softly.
Usually it was him picking up the pieces of her life, not the other way around.
"She's dying, Joey," he managed, collapsing into her arms.
Joey held Aden in her arms, trying to process what he'd said. She stroked his short, blonde hair and held him close.
"What do you mean?" she asked, feeling that it was the most stupid question in the world.
He pulled back and looked at her.
"Belle. She's dying. She has a tumour."
Joey just stared at him.
"How can I marry her knowing that?"
"How can you not?" Joey asked.
The question was out of her mouth before she'd really thought it through. He gazed into her eyes.
"Do you love her?" Joey probed.
"I love her more than anything."
"Then you can't leave her standing at the altar waiting for you. If she's dying; if these are her last few days or weeks or months or whatever on earth, don't you want her to spend them as happy as she can possibly be? Don't you want her to know exactly what she means to you? Don't you want to make whatever she's got to face, as pain free as it can possibly be?"
Aden's mind reeled at the simplicity of Joey's words. He suddenly felt very selfish. More tears began to flow. Joey reached for the back of the couch for his suit jacket.
"Charlie's in the car," she said. "Shall we go?"
***
Charlie looked up when the door opened. She smiled when both Joey and Aden exited and climbed inside the car.
"Wedding?" she asked.
"Wedding!" Aden confirmed.
He held Joey's hand from the back seat, thanking her silently as Charlie sped off.
***
"Everyone," Belle said, her voice quivering. "I want to thank you all for coming today but I'm afraid..."
"The groom's late but he's finally here!" Aden bellowed as he approached the little clearing.
Belle looked up and burst into tears as the love of her life showed up, panting for breath. Joey and Charlie hurried behind him and took their seats as the bride and groom headed to the altar, ready for the ceremony to begin.
"What did you do?" Ruby asked her sister.
"I just did the driving," Charlie insisted.
Ruby turned her quizzical eye to Joey.
"Sometimes people just need a couple of home truths," Joey replied.
***
Joey was in floods of tears by the end of the ceremony. She would have cried anyway, without the heartbreaking fact that the marriage would end with Aden as a widower, as it had been beautiful and moving but somehow, knowing what she knew made every word that much more meaningful. Charlie had sat with her arm around her, offering tissue after tissue and holding her close. She placed a delicate kiss on Joey's temple, knowing that there was more to Belle and Aden's story than anyone was letting on. She hoped that Joey would reveal it later but for now, she was lost in the romance and supporting the woman she loved. Further along the row, Ross sat beside Morag, thrilled that he had remained present for the ceremony. It was moving to see Aden and Belle so happy and in love, pledging their eternal commitment to each other. But almost more than that, it was a wonderful thing to see beside him, his daughter, besotted with her own relationship. Perhaps it wasn't conventional and perhaps it wasn't with someone he might have chosen for her, but Joey was obviously good for her. They made a nice couple and they seemed so sweet together. It was strange to see his daughter holding hands with a woman, kissing her and holding her but at least she was holding somebody. All Charlie's life, since she was a teenager, she had been lonely and lost. She had been through so much, suffered too much and never let anybody get close. He'd seen her lose herself at a young age and she'd never recovered, not really. Witnessing such a loving side to her, letting this Joey girl get close, was like seeing his daughter finally begin to heal from the past. It was something he had been waiting sixteen years to see.
