I'm not me

Part 10

Two weeks later, Charlie and Nick had established a morning routine. Each day, Nick would check in with Charlie and ask for her pronouns. Lately, for the past three days, she had been using she/her pronouns and wearing the dresses she had ordered. This routine brought a sense of normalcy and comfort to their mornings, strengthening their bond and supporting Charlie's journey.

Today was Saturday, and the couple were planning to go out for the day. "Good morning, sunshine. How are you?" Nick greeted Charlie with a warm smile as they woke up. "I'm well, thank you, Nick. What's our plan for today?" Charlie replied, still feeling the remnants of sleepiness."We're going out, remember?" Nick reminded her, a playful glint in his eye.
"Oh yeah, that's right. Thanks, I'm excited," Charlie said, her face lighting up with anticipation."I'm glad to hear that. Pronouns?" Nick asked, gently cupping her face. "She/her, Nick," Charlie responded confidently. "Thank you, baby girl," Nick said, finishing with a tender kiss and then bring her into a hug. Nick always tried his very best to encourage and praise Charlie, especially when she was feeling feminine. He knew how important it was for both of them to get comfortable and make her gender expression feel natural and affirmed. These small moments of support and affirmation were woven into the fabric of their relationship, making their bond stronger and more intimate. Whether it was through a simple morning check-in or a loving kiss, Nick's efforts helped Charlie feel seen and cherished, and their shared understanding brought them closer each day.

"Hey, when we're out, are you comfortable with me using femme titles like 'my girlfriend,' or do you want something else? I know we're only meeting with my mum, but I want you to be comfortable," Nick asked gently, wanting to ensure Charlie felt at ease.

Nick could see the slight panic in Charlie's eyes as she remembered they were meeting up with Sarah.

With a shaky breath, Charlie responded, "I think I'm ready to tell her, Nick."

"So proud of you, princess," Nick said, his voice filled with admiration. "Do you want to get ready? We have about an hour before we need to leave. Do what you need to do, okay?"

"Thanks, Nick," Charlie replied, her anxiety easing a bit with his reassurance. They shared a tender kiss, the connection between them deepening with each supportive word and gesture.

Nick's unwavering encouragement meant the world to Charlie, and she felt more confident facing the day ahead, knowing he was by her side.

As Charlie and Nick were pulling into Nick's old driveway, he could feel an energy change around Charlie. "Hey, gorgeous girl, is everything okay?" Nick asked, sensing a panic attack coming on. He stopped the car and put all his focus on Charlie. "Baby girl, you're okay. Everything is going to be fine. Can you breathe with me? In for 4, hold for 4, and out for 4. Good job, just a couple more, okay? Well done. Are you okay now?" he gently coached. "Yes, Nick, I'm okay. I just got too many thoughts in my head about your mum's reaction," Charlie admitted, her voice shaky.
"Hey, I understand. Believe me, you know my mum. She will be nothing but accepting, like she has been for every step of our relationship. This is just another step," Nick reassured her. Nick's phone started ringing. "Oh, it's Mum. One minute, okay?" Charlie nodded and rested her head on Nick's shoulder while she waited.

"Hey, Mum," Nick answered the call. "Everything is okay. Charlie just had a panic attack. No, we're all good and will be inside in a minute, okay? Thank you for checking."

After hanging up, Nick turned to Charlie. "What did your mum say?" she asked.

"She just asked if we were okay since she saw the car and noticed we usually come inside right away," Nick explained. "Oh, sorry," Charlie murmured. "It's okay. Mum understands. I'll go inside with you once you're ready. There's no rush," Nick assured her, squeezing her hand gently.

"I love you, Nick," Charlie said, feeling more at ease.
"Love you too," Nick replied, giving her hand another reassuring squeeze. They sat for a moment longer, finding comfort in each other's presence before heading inside together.