Chapter 2 - Calling Home
Much later….
Cooper and Charlotte were unwinding. Cooper's head is slightly propped up on some pillows and Charlotte' s head is resting on Cooper's shoulder. With his one hand, he was absentmindedly playing with Charlotte's hair, his fingers intertwining with her soft hair. With his other hand, he picked up the phone and pressed speed dial.
"Hi mom. It's me. Cooper", Cooper said.
"Son, I only have one son so I know it's you.", Cooper's mom chuckled. "Everything alright honey? How's Charlotte?", Cooper's mom tucked the phone on her ear while tidying up the kitchen.
"Well mom, we're both fine. But you'll be able to see for yourself. I'm bringing Charlotte home with me on the 26th for a quick visit."
"That's wonderful. How long are you staying? Goodness, I'll have to ask your dad to clean up his mess. How does Charlotte feel about Jewish food or is she used to eating fancy food? And maybe I should go out and buy some new bed covers as she might be used to something more luxurious? ".
"Relax ma. Charlotte is easy." , Cooper said.
Charlotte suddenly opened her eyes , glared at Cooper and started to move away. "You tellin tales to your momma about me?" Cooper tightened his arms around her to keep her near and kissed her on the head.
Cooper chuckled and said "Now Charlotte is mad and glaring at me, ma." " What I meant was Charlotte is not very particular. She will eat most anything and we'll just be able to stay for one night."
"Tell your momma she doesn't have to do anything at all. ", Charlotte ordered.
"Did you hear that ma? Maybe we can have dinner some place so you don't have to cook too much too? "
"Oh, Charlotte's there with you dear? Say hi to her for me and tell her I'm so excited to finally be meeting her. And Cooper, just for one night? Can't you take more time off? ". Mentally, Cooper's mom was already listing down the things that have to be done and what food she will be preparing for their homecoming.
"My mom said hi and that she's excited to meet you. She also said don't be mad at her son, her favorite son. ", teased Cooper. Charlotte dug her elbow into Cooper and Cooper said "Ow".
"Mom, we took some time off a couple of months back so we don't have many more days off. Besides, Charlotte is Chief of Staff at the hospital so she can't take too much time off either. ", continued Cooper.
"Anyway, is dad there? Can I talk to him?".
"Honey, you're son's on the phone. He's coming home and bringing Charlotte.", called out Cooper's mom.
Cooper's dad walks over and gets the phone from his wife. "Hi son. So you have time to go fishing while you're here?"
"Hi dad, I guess mom told you huh? Just staying 1 day really but yeah, we can go out for a spot of fishing", Cooper told his dad.
"Don't you dare leave me alone with your momma, Coop!", Charlotte said in a low voice. "You promised!"
"Okay, okay" , soothed Cooper. "Hey dad, you mind if Charlotte comes with us?"
"Are you sure fishing is something your lady would like to do? ", Cooper's dad was a bit skeptical at the idea but he was already trying to remember where he kept the fishing equipment and if he had enough for 3 people.
"Hey Char, my dad is asking if you're sure about coming with us to fish. You know, slimy worms, scaly fish and all. And we usually have to clean and gut the fishes we bring home.", Cooper asked.
"Cooper, my growing up with 2 brothers and bein in medical school more than prepared me for whatever gore there is in fishing. Besides, we have a fishing hole near our house and my brothers and I used to catch fish all the time. And I'm usually the one hooking the worms because my brothers were a bit queasy about that part.", Charlotte retorted.
"That settles it dad. Charlotte has fishing hole experience.", Cooper tells his dad.
"So we will see you and mom on the 26th then. Bye".
Cooper puts down the phone and sees Charlotte looking at him. "What is it?", he asks.
Charlotte sat up in bed and faced Cooper "You and your folks, you're close. I can tell even just by listening to your half of the conversation." "What if they don't like me for you?"
Cooper sighed and said "I love you Charlotte, that's the most important thing.". Then he gave his wife one last passionate kiss while drawing her down to lie beside him, "They'll love you, I promise. Now let's get some sleep." .
Cooper was out like a light while Charlotte stayed wide-awake for a long time and thought "I hope so Coop. I really hope so. ".