Chapter Five Hundred and Ninety Five

"You're inviting us to a picnic?" Charlie asked sceptically, when she arrived home from a Sunday morning gym session.

"Yes," Ruby replied. "Why don't you look convinced?"

Charlie arched an eyebrow at her daughter who was clearly trying too hard to look innocent.

"When was the last time you invited your parents to a picnic with you and your boyfriend on a Sunday afternoon?" she asked.

"I just want you two to get to know him better," Ruby said. "Come on, Charlie – Joey already agreed!"

"Joey's softer than I am," Charlie reminded her.

"Tell me about it!" Ruby said, rolling her eyes. "Well? Will you come?"

"Yes, I will come," Charlie agreed. "But if this is some kind of trick…!"

"It's just a picnic, Charlie!" Ruby said desperately, holding her hands up in an offer of peace.

Charlie eyed her suspiciously for a little longer before heading into her bedroom to get undressed for the shower. In the bedroom, she found Joey, finishing getting dressed.

"Oh," she said. "Bad timing. How disappointing."

Joey smirked at her.

"Did you hear about the picnic?" she asked.

Charlie lifted her hands in sheer confusion.

"I have no idea what's going on," she said.

She stripped out of her top and kicked off her shoes. Joey watched intently.

"Maybe it's just a picnic?" the younger woman suggested hopefully.

"Oh, it is never just a picnic," Charlie assured her, slipping out of her shorts and her underwear and unclasping her bra.

Joey continued to watch. Charlie tried not to smile. She wondered if Joey would still look at her that way in five, ten or twenty years. Would she always make her feel that special, that attractive and that wanted all the time? She grabbed her towel and crossed the narrow corridor into the bathroom. Joey followed eagerly.


Elijah had had a busy morning, welcome three new people to the shelter. His heart was still broken over the death of Thabo and then Grace's departure. He was struggling to accept Miles's friendship although he was persistent and he could not be around Leah at all. He felt lost and lonely. He was just grateful that he had taken advice and followed his calling to help others, including the latest young man to present as homeless. His name was Billy. He had nothing and nobody and the shelter could be the place that offered the salvation he truly needed.


The shower had taken a little longer than usual, although Charlie had expected it, as soon as Joey had followed her in. Joey had found herself having her second shower of the day and then had to get dressed twice, not that she seemed to mind. Lying on the bed, happy and exhausted, the couple curled up together.

"I officially like Sunday mornings," Charlie decided.

Joey giggled and agreed.

"Well, I like them when they're like this, anyway," Charlie added, cuddling her fiancé closer.

Joey kissed her cheek.

"I love you," she said.

"I love you too," Charlie replied. "And I love it when you misbehave."

Joey grinned.

"Well, you were all sweaty and opinionated!" she teased. "How could I resist?"

Charlie laughed.

"Sweaty and opinionated, hey?" she said. "That's what does it for you?"

"Sometimes," Joey grinned.


Ruby and Casey met at the Diner in order to collect one of Leah's legendary hampers. They were desperate for their picnic to go well.

"So, they definitely said they'd come?" Casey asked.

Ruby confirmed they would.

"I mean, Charlie was a little unsure but Joey agreed."

"But they don't know about…?"

"No," Ruby shook her head. "That's a surprise."

Casey looked a little worried but remained silent.


Charlie and Joey were getting dressed, aware that they were meant to be going to the picnic their daughter and Casey had invited them to.

"I had an interesting conversation today," Joey ventured.

Charlie paused doing up the button of her jeans, offering Joey her full attention.

"Romeo called, asking advice about the business and I don't even know how he got onto it but we struck on an idea. He's calling Alf today to ask about starting up charters, using the Blaxland," Joey said.

"What about the Surf School?" Charlie wondered.

"He's hoping to do both," Joey explained. "Surfing will always be his first love. But it's slow going right now, while he builds up his name and everything. But the Blaxland could be a winner. He's going to talk to Alf, see what he thinks and see if there's a best way forward."

"Well, that's really good, Jo," Charlie said. "It sounds like he's really going for it. And I assume he'll be leaning on you for support?"

Joey chewed her lip.

"Well, not exactly but…"

Charlie chuckled, buttoned her jeans and sat beside her.

"I love how much you care about people," she said.

"Even him?" Joey checked.

"Even him."

She leant in and kissed her.


Across town, Nicole was sick and tired of being pregnant. She was also tired of thinking about what to do when the baby was born. Her heart was breaking at the thought of giving her baby away to Marilyn and of not being his Mum. But she also couldn't cope with the thought of breaking Marilyn's heart when she had promised her the gift of motherhood. How could she take it away from her just like that? Both Angelo and Joey had advised her that it was better to tell her now, before she became attached to the baby. But she couldn't find the words. She wasn't strong enough. So she felt that the only thing to do was to give her baby away. At least she knew he would be loved beyond measure. She knew he would be safe and happy and perfectly looked after.

However, none of that resolved her physical discomfort. She was bordering on overdue. She was exhausted and could barely lug herself around anymore. She was terrified of labour and terrified over everything that came afterwards. But she also couldn't bear being pregnant anymore. She needed to set this baby free.

Hearing her complaints, Angelo had driven her to the north part of the beach, to go for a long walk across the golden sand. They had hoped that the exercise, however slow, might help things along a little. The plan was a walk and then later, a curry. And he had promised that he would always be on hand to drive her to the hospital. And whatever Marilyn wanted, Nicole was desperate for as many drugs as was on offer.


Charlie and Joey arrived at the beach for the picnic. They had to admit that they were impressed. Ruby and Casey had set out a large blanket with plenty of food and drink, including several things Ruby knew were their favourites.

"This looks amazing, guys," Joey enthused, sitting down. "Thank you."

"Yes, thank you," Charlie agreed.

They all sat down together. Joey dug into the crisps.

"Well, isn't this lovely?"

Charlie and Joey didn't need to turn around to know who was speaking. They recognised Brax's voice straightaway. And the kids looked very guilty.

"So, this is what this was all about?" Charlie said unhappy.

Brax sat between Charlie and Casey, also digging into the crisps. He looked irritatingly jovial.

"We just wanted you guys to spend time together," Casey explained. "Get to know each other."

"We know each other well enough," Charlie said. "Really."

"I don't know," Brax said with a smirk. "I'd happily get to know you a little better, Sergeant."

"And that's exactly why I have no interest in spending time with him," Joey snapped. "I'm sorry, Casey. I'm sorry, Ruby."

Casey frowned at his brother, disappointed in him. He didn't think he'd want to spend time with him if he was Joey either.

"I'm really not that bad," Brax assured her.

"You haven't exactly provided evidence of that so far," Joey pointed out.

"Can we at least try?" Ruby begged. "Please?"

"If Brax keeps his comments to himself?" Casey said pointedly.

Brax nodded, although he wasn't sure he would be able to stop himself from flirting with Charlie. He had his heart set on getting her into bed and it wasn't often that he didn't get what he wanted. For starters, she was stunning. And secondly, she was a cop. How amazing would it be to sleep with a cop? Third and possibly most exciting, she was a lesbian or bisexual or whatever she called herself. The idea of him being able to steal her away from a woman, excited him beyond measure.

"I'll do my best," he said.

Charlie and Joey reluctantly agreed.


Tired, Nicole sat down hard on the sand. Angelo smiled down at her and then sat down too. They both gazed out at the sea for a moment.

Then Angelo dared to ask, "Have you made a decision about the baby?"

She knew the question was coming. She still didn't know the answer.

"I don't know," she said. "I mean… how can I take the baby from Marilyn now? But I just… I don't think I can give him away."

Sadly, she leant against his shoulder. He put his arm around her.


"So, you're born and bred here, right?" Brax asked, attempting to make conversation.

He didn't care about Joey in the slightest. He wanted to know all about Charlie. But he was trying to play nice.

"Yes," Joey said tightly. "You and I went to school together for a while."

He nodded, vaguely remembering her.

"Heath was a prick," she added.

"He still is," Casey remarked, making the others laugh and breaking the tension.

Joey smiled at him. He smiled back, feeling rewarded.

"Well, I apologise for anything Heath did to you," Brax said, sounding genuine and serious for once. "He's had… issues. He doesn't think. He treads a very fine line between right and wrong."

Charlie and Joey held hands, Charlie very aware of what Joey was thinking about.

"Thank you," Joey replied.

She and Brax exchanged a polite smile.

"But uh… you two moved here not that long ago?" Brax asked, moving on to Charlie and Joey.

"About three years ago," Ruby said. "We were living in the city before. But my Dad… well, Charlie's Dad came here with Morag his wife, so we followed."

She noted the confusion about Ross and glanced at Charlie, who sighed at having to explain.

"Ruby was initially brought up as my sister, as I was very young when I had her," she said.

She squeezed Joey's hand hard.

"It's only been these last couple of years that I've told her the truth and we've lived as mother and daughter."

Brax nodded thoughtfully. He looked at Casey who showed no surprise, so must already have known the story. He sipped one of the beers he'd brought with him.

"Well," he said. "Families are pretty complicated at the best of times, aren't they?"

Charlie managed a smile, grateful for the lack of fuss. They were interrupted by Joey's phone ringing. She apologised and stepped away from the group.

"She's always busy talking to people, isn't she?" Brax commented, watching her go.

"Yeah," Charlie agreed. "She practically runs a counselling service from behind that bar."

"It's nice," Ruby said. "I'm being told constantly by my friends how much she helps."

"Must get a bit annoying though?" Brax nudged. "You know, when you want time to yourself?"

"Believe it or not, we get plenty of time to ourselves, despite my job and running a business and being parents and Joey being a volunteer counsellor to half the town," Charlie assured him. "You don't need to worry about that."

"Trust me, they do!" Ruby said, pulling a face. "It's pretty annoying!"

Charlie reddened.

"Okay, we don't need to go there," she said quickly.

"No, no, I'm happy to discuss any details you want to talk about," Brax grinned.

"Really, no," Charlie said, shutting it down quickly.

"Like um… is Joey the only woman you've ever been with or…?"

"Yes, she is," Charlie said, wondering why she was even giving him any information.

"So, you've only been with guys before?" Brax asked.

"Obviously, that's what I mean."

"And what? You just thought, I'll give it a go?"

Charlie shook her head in irritation.

"I fell in love," she said.

"And if you and Joey ever split up, which of course I hope you never do," Brax lied. "Do you think you'd be looking for another woman or would you be back on men or…?"

"Why don't you stop interrogating Charlie about her preferences?" Casey interrupted.

"I'm just showing an interest!" Brax protested.

Joey came back to the group.

"Showing an interest in what?" she asked, although she already knew the answer.

"I just wondered if Charlie would ever go back to men," Brax said. "If and when she was ever finished with you."

"Well, that's charming," Joey said, sitting down beside Charlie. "You do realise we're getting married. That means we're not planning to be finish with each other?"

"And you realise that usually, in Charlie's situation, when a straight girl has a thing with another woman, it usually leads to her missing the real thing and going out to find a man with a big dick to have sex with rather than actually marrying the woman? It often happens on her hen night so uh… make sure you have it at The Pizza Oven, won't you?" Brax replied.

Joey swallowed. She had no words. Clenching her jaw, she stared Brax out.

"I think we're done here," Charlie eventually said.

She stood, taking Joey's hand and helping her stand. She apologised to the kids.

"Oh and Brax, you're 100% wrong but even if your theory was correct, don't think I'll come looking for you," she added. "Plus, I doubt it's that big anyway."


Away from the group and out of sight, Charlie stopped and turned to face Joey.

"You know he was talking utter crap, right?" she checked.

"Of course I do," Joey said. "We've talked about this."

She smiled warmly, pulling Charlie into a hug. Charlie relaxed against her, almost collapsing into her embrace.

"You're my everything," Charlie whispered. "I don't miss… anything."

She grinned wickedly.

"We have… things. Not that we need them."

Joey laughed a little too loudly and kissed her.

"So, you don't think you're missing out on anything?" she asked.

"Never," she said. "Meeting you was the luckiest day of my life. And you have made me happier than I could ever be. I am not missing out on anything and I am not going to be looking for anyone or anything else. Ever."

"Well, that's all the promise I need," Joey said.

She kissed her.

"And I feel the same," she added. "Obviously. I could never want anyone else but you."

They kissed again.

"Oh, who phoned you?" Charlie asked curiously.

"Romeo," Joey said, as they began walking again. "Alf has given him the go ahead for a trial run. He wants me to give him some advice. You know, a bit of help with the set up."

Charlie smiled, telling her that she was lovely.


"Why did you have to be like that?" Casey demanded angrily, as he left Ruby to pack up the picnic.

He knew his girlfriend was upset and he was upset too. He had begged his brother to behave. It was just one afternoon. And it had meant so much to Ruby.

"Oh, I was just mucking around," Brax said dismissively, as he walked towards The Pizza Oven, his pride a little hurt over Charlie's last comment.

"No, you weren't," Casey insisted. "You were wading into their lives. You were being cruel. And you doing it because you want to sleep with Charlie and you're pissed because she won't give it up. Because she's committed to Joey."

Brax shrugged. Maybe that was true.

"Look, they're my girlfriend's parents, Brax," Casey said, jogging to keep up with him. "You can't mess with them like that."

He then bumped into him, as Brax stopped abruptly.

"Charlie is her mother," Brax said. "Joey is no relation at all."

"What is wrong with you?" Casey insisted. "Joey is her step-mum. Ruby loves her like a parent, like she loves Charlie. They're a family. Joey has provided them both with more stability than either of them have ever had before."

Brax paused, furrowing his brow. He wondered what their true story was. What had happened to make Charlie give Ruby up as a baby, have her raised as her sister? And how had Joey ended up in the mix and become such an important part of their lives?

"I'm just saying that calling Joey her mother isn't factually correct," Brax said. "Not biologically."

He continued walking.

"Well, family is what you make it," Casey replied. "Look at all of us. And that's beside the point. Charlie and Joey are my girlfriend's family. They're her world. I need you to stop being like that with them. I need you to get on. I need to stop pushing Joey and trying to hook up with Charlie. I love Ruby and she means everything to me. Please don't ruin it for me, Brax."

Brax sighed and nodded.

"I will do my best to behave," he said somewhat sarcastically.

"That'll be a first," said a female voice.

"Sandy!" Casey exclaimed. "What are you doing here?"

Brax turned around. Casey flung himself into his older sister's arms. He held him tight.

"Seriously! What are you doing here? Are you back?" Casey asked.

"You didn't mention me then?" Sandy said to Brax.

Casey looked helplessly at Brax, asking if he had known she had returned.

"She turned up yesterday," his eldest brother explained.

"Sound happier," Sandy said, punching him cheerfully in the arm.

"I would but I'm still a little pissed off that you left in the first place," Brax said.

Casey frowned.

"Why did you leave?" he asked.

"I left because Mum kicked me out," Sandy said, decided to just be honest. "She found out I was seeing someone she didn't approve of."

"Who?"

"I don't think you know her," Sandy said.

Both boys stared at her.

"Her?" Brax said.

"I'm gay, is what I'm trying to tell you," Sandy said, sounding braver than she felt. "Mum found out and she didn't like it. She told me to leave, so I did."


Leah had decided she had had enough. She went to the shelter to confront Elijah and try and find some way to repair their broken friendship. At least at the shelter, he couldn't run away. Arriving, she was surprised to find it so quiet.

"Elijah?" she called.

Stepping further into the building, she peered into the empty lounge and then further down the corner. She walked into the kitchen and then let out a scream when she saw Elijah, motionless on the floor, a pool of blood by his head.


"Um… Angelo?" Nicole said awkwardly.

Angelo turned his head quickly, worried that something was wrong.

"I think my waters have just broken."


Next time… Indi is unsure of Keiron, Charlie acts as midwife as Nicole gives birth on the beach and it's an emotional moment as Nicole hands over baby George to Marilyn…