Checkmate

Charlie

Charlie's POV

Having contact with my mum was nice again after all these years but having to rearrange our meeting last minute at a fairly fancy restaurant was an annoying addition I didn't want to deal with. Sir knew the owner of the restaurant so luckily it was no big deal but I was very stressed. I tucked my dog tags into my dress shirt and fiddled with my top button. "Relax, love. It'll be okay," my master took my top button and fixed it for me. I took his hands in mine and placed them on my forehead. "I promise you, Charlie. You will be okay. I'm here for you every step of the way," he kissed my hands gently.

We were in the car driving to the restaurant when I felt a wave of sickness overcome me. I wound down the window and sat quietly staring out. "Love, what's wrong?" My Master asked me.

"I don't feel well," I told him.

"Is it a physical or a mental sick feeling?" He asked.

"Both, I'm anxious and overthinking and that's setting my stomach off."

"Drink some water, we'll get you something light to line your stomach when we get to the restaurant."

"My parents will be late. They always are," I told him leaning on my wrist.

I was correct in my assumption, my parents were late for our meeting. We had dinner booked at 7 o'clock and they didn't arrive until quarter past. At least it was only a quarter of an hour. We sat facing the door and when I saw my parents walking in I squeezed my master's hand tightly under the table. I stood up to greet them. "Mum, dad, hi. I'm glad you could make it."

"Sorry, we were late. Your mother couldn't decide on the colour of her lipstick. You know how she is," my dad told me holding out his hand for me to shake. I shook it.

My mum hardly wore makeup when I was living at home and he only wore very minimal and natural colours when she did. Right now she was wearing a bright red shade, I guess things have changed a bit.

"It's a lovely shade on you," I told my mum as she sat down.

"Thank you," she then actually realised we weren't alone at the table. She looked at my master. I sat beside him smiling.

"Mum, dad, this is my boyfriend." I watched to see what their faces did. My dad's face didn't really change but my mum's smile wavered slightly.

"Pleased to meet you, I'm Justin." He held out his hand. Business formal. I know he wasn't the biggest fan of my mother because of how she used to treat me. My dad shook his hand. "Pleased to meet you,"

"I didn't even realise you were dating anyone Charles let alone a man," my mother commented, "though I had my suspicions."

"I do have it on Facebook," I muttered quietly.

"How long have you two been together?" My father asked.

"Nearly five years now," I told him.

"5 years. That's impressive for you," my mum commented.

"Uh yeah it is, it's impressive for anyone I suppose," I shrugged, I could feel a mix of emotions welling up in my chest, upset, anger, confusion.

"Your father and I have been together for thirty-four years."

"That's a long time," I agreed with her looking down at my lap. I went to fidget with my necklace but I'd tucked it into my shirt.

"So Justin what is it you do?" My dad jumped in to stop the awkwardness that was about to happen.

"Well, I work in gym management. I own a few private gyms around the northwest area."

"What about you Charlie? What do you do now?" I was expecting this to be a question and I prepped myself for it.