I'm not me

Part 12

As the couple approached the front door of Nick's childhood home, Nick grabbed hold of Charlie's hand, a comforting gesture they shared before heading inside. Nick opened the door and called out, "Hey, Mum, we're here!"

"Hi, baby, how are you? Hey, Charlie, how are you doing?" Nick's mum, Sarah, greeted them warmly. Nick hugged his mum, replying, "I'm really good, Mum."
"Hi, Mamma Sarah, I'm doing okay. How are you?" Charlie said, embracing Sarah in a big hug. Ever since Charlie had met Sarah, she had become a mother figure for her, especially since Charlie's own mum had passed away before she met Nick.
"I'm well, thanks. Would you two boys like to come into the kitchen for a drink?" Sarah asked, smiling.
At that moment, Nick squeezed Charlie's hand to reassure her that it was okay and that she didn't have to come out if she wasn't ready.
"Yeah, sure, we'd love to, Mum," Nick responded. They all headed into the kitchen and sat around the table, the familiar surroundings and warm company easing the tension that had been building.

As Sarah went to make drinks, she instinctively prepared their favourites, knowing their preferences by heart. They engaged in small talk about work, their dog Nellie, and recent events. During the conversations, Charlie felt a growing need to share something important with Sarah. She knew that delaying the conversation would only make it harder.

"Mamma Sarah," Charlie began, her voice slightly trembling.
"Yes, Charlie?" Sarah responded warmly.
"There's something I want to tell you."
"Of course you can, baby, whenever you're ready," Sarah said encouragingly. Nick, sensing Charlie's nervousness, smiled and squeezed her hand for support.
"I'm gender fluid. Mine and Nick's relationship is the same as it was; it just means I present myself with the gender I feel. Today, well, actually for the past few days, I've been feeling quite feminine," Charlie explained, her voice steadying as she spoke.

"Oh, babe, I'm so proud that you shared this with me. I love you so much, whoever you are," Sarah said, getting up from her seat. She noticed the tears welling up in Charlie's eyes and hugged her tightly. "I know this is hard, but you did it. Now, where did you get that dress from? I love it!"
Charlie's tears turned into a smile, feeling relieved and accepted. "Thank you, Mamma Sarah. I got it from a website online, can't remember what it's called. I'm glad you like it."

As they sat back down, the atmosphere was filled with a sense of understanding and love, making the home feel even warmer and more welcoming than before. They got to talking and explaining everything Sarah wanted to know. By the time the sun was setting, the couple had covered everything they could. Sarah even gave Charlie some clothes she was planning to take to the second-hand shop.

"Thanks for having us over, Mamma Sarah. It was nice seeing you again, and thank you for the clothes," Charlie said as she hugged her goodbye.
"Oh, anytime, love. It was lovely catching up with you both. I hope there's something in that pile you like, and if not, that's totally okay. I love you, and we'll do this again soon," Sarah replied warmly.
As Nick hugged his mum, he whispered, "Thanks for being so supportive of Charlie. She was freaking out over how you would react to our new relationship. It means a lot, Mum."
"Oh, baby, I love you both so much. If you need anything, anytime, you let me know, and I'll be there, no matter what the time is or if I'm busy. I will always have time for both of you," Sarah said, squeezing Nick tightly.

With one last wave, Nick and Charlie walked back to their car, feeling lighter and more connected than ever. The visit had turned out better than they could have hoped, and they drove home with a renewed sense of hope and acceptance.

After finishing their goodbyes, Nick and Charlie headed to the car and got ready for the drive home. As they settled in, Nick rested his hand on Charlie's thigh.
"How do you feel, love?" he asked.
"I feel really good, Nick, thank you. Your mum is amazing, and I'm very grateful to have her in my life, especially after everything that happened," Charlie said, her voice trailing off as she thought about her own mother.
Nick squeezed her thigh gently. "It's okay, Char. I know what you mean. I'm glad you get along with my mum and that she can be another amazing person in your life."
They continued chatting, sharing stories and thoughts, until they arrived home. Once there, they slipped into their evening routine, feeling closer and more content, ready to end their day on a positive note.