Chapter 4 – Jitters
It's Tuesday evening and Cooper was at home packing for the trip. They will not have time to come back to pick up their clothes so they have to bring their luggage with them when they leave for work tomorrow.
Cooper is trying to figure out what to bring for Alabama. He remembers that it was crazy humid when he was there last but that doesn't help. Packing for Akron is much easier, especially since he's going fishing. Also, Charlotte mentioned that her 2 brother might have something outdoorsy planned so to remember to pack something suitable.
Charlotte comes home a little later to find several of Cooper's shirts occupying the bed and his packing still unfinished.
"Coop you still not done yet? How hard is it to pack for 2 days? All you need is 2 maybe 3 sets of clothes, your underwear and toiletries" asked Charlotte. "I need to pack my things as well. So hurry up."
"I'm almost done. " Cooper replied. "Uh Charlotte, do you guys dress up for Thanksgiving at your place? Do I need to bring a suit?"
"We dress up but nothing too formal that you'll need a suit. Just slacks and long-sleeved shirt, like you wore to the wedding and I'll make sure it's pressed before you wear it. Also, maybe bring a coat and tie, just in case we decide to go out for dinner in Akron."
"Yes, ma'am", Cooper answered, trying to imitate Charlotte's drawl.
"There I'm all done", Cooper continued while zipping up his bag and taking it off from the bed. "Your turn".
Cooper sits on the bed, resting his back against the headboard and watched as Charlotte very decisively pulls one article of clothing after another and starts folding them. She pulls out a plum-colored dress and holds it up against her; it's one of Cooper's favorites, she knows it and it gives her confidence.
"Coop, is this too much for Akron?" asked Charlotte. "Do you dress up in your house for Thanksgiving? I don't want to be underdressed."
Cooper answered "You know, you look beautiful whatever you're wearing. You'll look exquisite even in sackcloth." "Now hurry up and pack so I can have my way with you woman. Behaving for 2 days while in our parents house, I need something to tide me over.", he grinned.
"Cooper, you're not the one who needs to make a good impression here. At least, you've met my brothers, albeit in the middle of my southern, gothic tragedy. I'm meeting your parents for the first time and God knows, what you've been telling them about me. So yes, aside from behaving whilst in your parents house, I would like to be dressed appropriately. Now answer my question and may be I can be persuaded to wear this one later", Charlotte replied while showing Cooper the latex suit she pulled out from her closet.
"Since you put it that way, then to answer your question, that dress is perfectly fine for Akron for dinner out. But for a meal at my house, something casual similar to the dress you wore at our wedding is okay.".
Charlotte grew quiet as she finished packing her suitcase, Cooper got up and sat in front of her and drawing her near.
"Your family might think that I'm not worthy of marrying Charlotte King, of the Monroeville Kings. ", whispered Cooper.
"Don't be ridiculous Cooper. And it's good that their opinion don't matter because I already married you.", Charlotte assured him, while patting his cheeks. "You won't be able to use that excuse to get rid of me."
"Then I just say the same thing back at you. You won't be able to get rid of me that easily. My family matters to me and you are my family now.", Cooper retorted.
"That reminds me, I have to pack my laptop with the wedding video and pictures. I'm sure my mom will want a copy so I'm burning a copy for her right now. Do you want me to give a copy to your family as well?", Cooper said as he got up from the bed, gave Charlotte a peck on the lips and moved to find his laptop.
"Not necessary." Charlotte answered. "And while you're busy fixing up those pictures and video, let me go change and see if I can't give you a memory or 2 to help you through these next few days ".