Nova's Universe

Chapter 9 (1996)

Charlie

"Good morning," I mumbled, stretching as I entered the kitchen.

"Good morning," Olivia greeted me with a smile. "Tea or coffee?"

"Tea's fine, thanks." I rubbed the sleep from my eyes and sank into a chair.

Her gaze softened as she studied me. "Are you alright?"

"Yeah," I mumbled, but the forced cheer in my voice probably didn't fool her. "Just a bit nervous, that's all."

"About taking Aoede to meet your family?"

I winced at the mention of it. "Yeah," I confessed, biting my lip.

Olivia reached out and placed a comforting hand on mine. "Charlie, did you have a fight with your mum? Molly didn't say anything to me."

A sigh escaped me. "No, no fight. It's nothing," I tried to reassure her, but I knew my unconvincing smile gave me away.

"I know your mum can be a bit...much," she said with a sympathetic chuckle.

"It's not that," I began, then paused. "Okay, maybe a little."

"Charlie?" she prompted gently after a moment of silence.

"Alright," I admitted, letting out a defeated sigh. "I know she apologized and everything, but I still haven't forgotten how she reacted when we told her Nova was pregnant."

"Ah, she told me about that," Olivia said with a nod.

My jaw clenched. "I understand she might not agree with all my choices, but you saw how happy we were. We wanted to share that joy with everyone, and she just...ruined everything."

"She might not have meant to," Olivia offered.

"Maybe not," I conceded, "but it doesn't change the way it made us feel. We were ecstatic, and Nova was practically green in the face because of how she knew Mum would react."

Anger bubbled back up, mixing with the nervousness. "It's like she doesn't trust me to take care of myself. I'm a grown man, Olivia! I have my own family now."

"I know, Charlie," she soothed, her voice calm despite my outburst. "But you have to remember, she's your mum. She just wants the best for you, even if her way of showing it is a bit...well, a bit Molly."

"Then why can't she be happy for us like you were?" I demanded, frustration colouring my voice. "Why can't she be supportive like Dad?"

Olivia squeezed my hand gently. "Don't shut her out, Charlie. I know it's hard, but try to see past it. One day, you and Nova might want more children, and having a good relationship with your family is important for them." She sighed. "I lost my parents before Nova was even born, and I wouldn't wish that on anyone. Give your mum a chance. Stand up for yourself, but don't cut her off completely."

Her words struck a chord. Maybe Olivia was right. Maybe I was letting the past cloud my judgment. Taking a deep breath, I nodded slowly. "Yeah, you're right," I admitted. "Thanks for listening, Olivia. I really appreciate it."

"Anytime, Charlie," she replied, her smile warm. "As much as Nova is a part of your family, you're a part of hers too. Don't forget that."

"Are the girls still sleeping?" she asked, setting a steaming mug in front of me.

I shook my head. "No, Aoede woke up a while ago. I changed her diaper and now Nova's feeding her." The corners of my lips lifted into a small smile. "She seems to be a pro already."

Olivia chuckled. "It makes me very happy that you help Nova so much. She even looks rested."

"Well," I replied with a shrug, "she has been carrying her for nine months and giving birth to her. Now it's my turn to have some sleepless nights so Nova can get as much rest as possible."