The bus ride to Isabelle's primary school was thankfully uneventful, as was the car ride home. Isabelle headed upstairs to her room once they got inside, while Charlie laid down on the couch for a moment. He pulled out his phone and scrolled to Ben's contact.
You: Change of plans, Isabelle got overwhelmed during the trip because of a fight between me and one of the parents. Came home early, will be setting up the reservation for a table now. What time do you want?
He closed his contacts app and went to scroll through his social media and occasionally checking his emails. After only a few seconds Ben replied.
Ben: 17:30 will do. i didn't hear anything about a fight when you called me.
You: It wasn't anything huge, just one of the mom's being a jerk about Isabelle and how we raise her. But it stressed her out. The noise, that is. Especially since her teacher joined in on the fight.
Ben: and why would he do that?
Charlie tensed up. He could tell Ben was jealous and anxious.
You: He misgendered me on accident earlier, I guess he thought in order to prove he wasn't intentionally being a jerk he thought he had to butt in. Even though I had it under control. It's fine though, Isabelle is taking a nap now so she should be calm in time for dinner. She seemed to have fun on the field trip otherwise.
Ben: wait he misgendered you?
You: Yeah, I mean obviously not on purpose. I'm not sure how he thought I was a girl, but, he did. But it's okay. He had misunderstood you when you were using femme terms and stuff just to be safe.
Ben: oh
Ben: OH
Ben: shit i'm so sorry i didn't even notice i'm so sorry Charlie
You: It's okay!! You don't need to apologize. I understand. I used to do the same thing but with myself, I get it.
Ben: i know, it's just different when it's you doing it because you're you.
Ben: i didn't think that he wouldn't know. you know i didn't mean to right? shit i didn't mean to hurt you. i've been such a dick lately. you and isabelle know i didn't mean anything though right? fuck i can't stop thinking about that.
You: Don't worry, I know. You're okay.
Something about it felt wrong to Charlie. But he tried to brush it off.
He finished setting up the registration and headed up to his room, flopping down onto his bed and closing his eyes, drifting off to sleep.
YOU ARE READING
Charlie('s) Hope(less)
FanficMarried for eleven years, Charlie starts to regret his marriage to Ben. A series of events that occur on a school-field trip sparks a long wander down memory lane. There's a lot for Charlie to unpack there, including his child's opinion on their own...
