Summary - Charlotte faces judgement from parents for leaving her husband and for dating a woman. Afterwards she seeks comfort in Sorscha.
"It's absolutely ridiculous. How can you be with a man for a decade, then suddenly start dating a woman? Not only that, you should have seen them in the car park, they were all over each other. I think it's disgusting quite frankly." Summers voice was as irritating as ever.
Charlotte knew they were talking about her, obviously. She held her breath, waiting for the other mums reply.
"I know, I heard all about that. She must just be desperate for attention, sticking her tongue down a woman's throat in front of everyone. She should be spending her time trying to fix her marriage, not acting like a tart."
Charlotte could feel her anger bubbling over. How dare they judge her like this. They had no idea how much it hurt to walk away from her previous life. She didn't do it just for herself, she did it for her children and for her ex husband too. They were both miserable - although they loved and respected each other, they just didn't fit anymore. She wanted her girls to know that their happiness was important and they should never settle. Since being with Mia, Charlotte had felt so safe and loved, nobody had the first clue about how deep their connection ran.
"What does any of this have to do with you, Summer?" Sorscha's voice rang out, tearing Charlotte from her thoughts. She looked over at her colleague, noticing immediately how tense she seemed.
"Well, if she's going to flaunt it, people will talk about it Sorscha. We all had to witness that display." Summer replied, defiant as ever.
"No you didn't. You're a fully grown adult, you have the ability to look or even walk away. You've got no idea what happened with Charlottes marriage. Also, why can't she date a woman after being with a man for years? Unlike you Charlotte is a loving, kind person and it just so happens she's fallen for a woman. She's happy so you can keep your bigotry to yourself."
The other mum who had been chatting to Summer at least had the decency to look ashamed as she muttered "well, I've got to dash anyway, see you later." She hurried out with her head down.
Summer looked at Sorscha with her mouth hanging open - god she looks stupid, Charlotte thought. After a few seconds, she closed her mouth and turned on her heel. It was only at that point that Summer spotted Charlotte in the corner of the room. They made eye contact briefly before Summer practically ran through the door to escape.
Charlotte turned to Sorscha and smiled at her friend.
"Thanks Sorscha."
"Ah no worries Charlie, these people are idiots, don't let them get ya down."
With that the two women continued setting up for the day, and as more parents came to drop off their little ones Charlotte was distracted enough to almost forget about that mornings interaction.
Lunch time rolled around and as Charlotte entered the staff room she saw Sorscha sat scrolling on her phone. Winter and Carly were on the late shift so the early shifts lunches overlapped. As she approached her friend, Sorscha looked up and flashed Charlotte a huge smile.
"Hey, how ya doing?" Sorscha asked. Everything she said sounded so friendly in her Irish accent.
"Yeah...I'm alright." Charlotte replied. She hesitated for a moment, then continued "Sorscha, can I ask you something?"
"Course ya can what's up?"
"How do you deal with it? People judging you, for who you love?"
Sorscha looked at her friend sympathetically. Although she was happy now with a beautiful wife and a baby on the way, it hadn't always been this way. Accepting her attraction to women had been a long road for Sorscha and she'd had to learn that no matter what, there would always be people who didn't accept her. It still hurt sometimes, to think that there were people who looked down on her relationship and her love.
"I know this isn't the most reassuring thing to hear right now Charlie, but you will get used to it. I feel sorry for people like that, they have no idea how much love fills our lives and their hearts are full of hatred. No matter what, you know how you feel about Mia and that's all you need." Sorscha sighed, realising there was nothing she could really say to fully take the pain away.
Charlotte looked at her for a few seconds clearly thinking over Sorscha's words. The brunette replied "I know they're just idiots and just because they say it, it doesn't make it right. I've never understood people being homophobic, why can't people just love who they love?" She paused briefly, looking down then quietly added "I'm not a tart."
Sorscha felt her heart sink as she watched Charlotte shrink into herself. How dare anyone call her that, she was nothing of the sort. It had hurt to realise that her friend had been going through such a tough time, feeling like she had nobody to confide in. So what if she was excited to finally feel loved, seen, desired. It was only a kiss.
"Of course you're not. You are a kind, thoughtful, smart and attractive woman and you've met someone who lights up your world. If you want to kiss Mia in the car park you go ahead. People like that will never be even half the person you are, so please never listen to anything they say."
Charlotte smiled in response and nodded slightly. Sorcha always knew just what to say, she had such a good soul. Charlottes phone pinged and as she looked at the screen she saw Mia's name.
"I hope you're having a good day beautiful, I can't wait to see you tonight. I miss you Sweetheart. xxx"
As Charlotte started to type back, she realised it didn't matter what others thought of her or her relationship with Mia. What mattered was how they felt when they were alone together and what they brought to each other lives. What mattered, was that Charlotte couldn't imagine a world where they weren't together.
She could get used to anything, as long as she got to keep Mia.
