Playing Out of Her Comfort Zone

The reactions to the news about Charles and Naomi dating did not vary. In fact, they were rather unanimous and conformed, much to the couple's surprise. After they had confirmed their relationship inside the hospital room, since they didn't have much of a choice, the children had been extremely relaxed and accepting. They didn't have any reason to be upset or go against the pair. Truthfully, they're just relieved to hear that their old man has finally found his way back onto the dating scene and hasn't lost his game. It's about damn time if you asked them! Plus, it also helps that they've known Naomi for approximately three years and counting.

For some teenagers, seeing their father or mother with someone else, who could be considered an outsider, an intruder, a threat, might be difficult. But what you have to remember is not everyone's the same. People have their own way of handling and coping with certain matters and for the Whitmen children, all they want is for their father to be happy. Thirteen years is a long time and it's time for him to move on with his life, find someone he can start fresh with. It's not like he's stopped loving their mother because, trust me, he hasn't. He's just making room for another woman in his life and that's what Rebecca would have wanted as well.

Before she passed away, Rebecca had told her husband that he should never, under any circumstance, cease loving. That he should never close his heart off to the rest of the world, and although it hasn't been east to look at another woman, who is not the mother of his children, Charles has finally made peace with his past and realized that it's okay for him to move on.

He's not sure when it happened or how it happened, but his feelings for Naomi are real and adamant, something he cannot ignore or turn a blind-eye to. Working with her these last three years must have brought them closer together and, frankly, Charles is a bit surprised he hadn't noticed what an incredible woman he had right under his nose sooner.

The two of them have been dating for a couple of months now, in secret of course, but over the past couple of weeks, things have been becoming more serious between them. Like, we're talking about marriage and wedding bells going off within the next year serious. And now that they've come out into the open about their feelings towards one another and have gotten approval from the kids, they see no reason to hold back anymore.

Naomi is six years younger than Charles, making her forty-two. So far, she has been involved in one marriage already which, if you couldn't tell, did not pan out too well for her or her ex-husband. They were married for less than two years before they filed for a divorce. It turned out her ex-husband was not an American-borne citizen and the only reason he chose to tie the knot with her was because his visa was going to expire soon! Can you believe the audacity of some people, who are clearly lacking in morals department? Of course Naomi felt utterly betrayed since he basically used her like she wasn't a human being but, still, she loved him dearly.

She would have forgiven him and suggested that they turn a new leaf because he meant the world to her. Too bad the guy also had a tough time keeping his fly zipped up around other men and women and once his infidelity was revealed, Naomi had reached her breaking point. Enough was enough. Now, the prick's back in Canada, where he belongs, most likely screwing up someone else's life. Thank the heavens! Naomi has no children of her own either, unless you consider a three year-old German Shepard, by the name of Venus, a child.

She can cook like a five-star chef, loves watching football and is, all in all, a pretty amazing catch. If the Whitmen children had known that there had even been a small possibility of Naomi fancying their old man, they would have pushed the two of them together every shot they got! In the end, though, everything fell into place and worked out perfectly. They'd be lying if they said they didn't want to have a home-cooked breakfast at their own dining table every weekend. And on the following Saturday morning, that's exactly what they got, granted they all had to pitch in and help as well.

However, waking up at nine and cracking a couple of eggs and whisking some batter is definitely nothing when compared to the amazing feast sprawled out in front of them. "Thank you, Naomi," the kids all chime before they dig into the food.

"You're very welcome," she replies sweetly as she tries not to laugh at how fast they're eating. They're practically inhaling the food but seeing them like this is oddly satisfying to her. It feels nice to be appreciated. It feels nice to be part of such a big and wonderful family. It feels nice to finally find where you belong.

With an affectionate countenance settled over his face, Charles stares at the woman located on the other end of the table and smiles amicably at her. She, on the other hand, is watching his children enjoy themselves, the corners of her own lips hiked upwards. He could most certainly get used to this scene. At last, they're family feels – whole again. Then, the man's eyes wander over to the photo of his late wife positioned on the mantle above the fireplace. Yes, Rebecca would be pleased if she saw them now.

After washing the dishes with Ian, Charlie heads back to her room. Usually, she's not up this early on the weekend, unless she has an incentive to be. And the only incentive she has to drag herself out of her warm and comfortable bed is work. So, most of the time when she isn't scheduled to go in, you could find the girl sleeping well into the late afternoon on days where she's got nothing else better to do. However, since she's wide awake and full of energy, thanks to Naomi's delicious breakfast, she decides to put the rest of the day to good use and take the boy, who lives just across the street from her, out in order to make up for cancelling their first date.

She's not sure about what she should do or where she would take him because, hello, she's never had to plan a date before, but what Charlie does know is that she wants to make this a memorable experience for the both of them. There has to be something they could do. Ethan deserves the world and so much more in return for everything's he's done for her. For as long as she's known him, roughly three months or so to be somewhat exact, there isn't a thing she would change about the time they've spent together.

Yeah, there were numerous occasions where she had wanted to choke the living daylights out of his insufferable ass, but for the most part, Charlie found herself happy and secure. Being with him has always been fun, easy and, most importantly, real. She never had to pretend when it came to Ethan and her feelings for the boy? They're real too.

By this point in time, Ethan has made it clear to her (and a few other people as well) just how serious he is about what's blooming between the two of them and now, it's Charlie's turn to return the favor. It's time for her to prove to him how sincere and genuine she also is about him and the potential relationship that could develop. Because, sometimes, guys need a little reassuring here and there too. Granted, Charlie's never done something like this and hasn't the slightest clue on how she should tackle the matter, but for the person who can tip her world off of its axis, without exerting much of an effort either, stepping out of her comfort zone and venturing into the unknown is worth it.

Could you even begin to imagine how dull and boring life would be if people didn't take risks? If there were no extreme sports or daredevils?

Rummaging through her mind, wreaking havoc on her thoughts, Charlie attempts to brainstorm a list of places and things they could do. She's tempted to ask Google for some assistance, but manages to restrain herself. It'll be far more special if the date is an original idea. It'd mean more. With her bottom lip protruding out, Charlie rests her chin in her palm while she drums her fingers against her cheekbone. What to do, what to do.

The bell chimes and Layna peeks out through the peephole. When she realizes who it is, she notifies her grandson, who's cooped up in his room doing god knows what, that he's got a visitor. The door then swings opens and Charlie immediately straightens her posture. "Hello, Layna. How are you today?" She steps inside, her hands hidden behind her back. Next, Maxwell gallops in, his tongue flapping along behind him while his eyes twinkle in delight at the sight of their guest.

"Well, I'm just peachy, Charlie dear," the woman beams. "Thank you for asking. Are you and Ethan going out somewhere?" It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see that the two of them have been spending a generous amount of time together recently. And the way her grandson's face brightens up whenever he talks about the girl lets Layna know all there is to know. And to be honest, she couldn't picture a better girl for him. They're like a match made in heaven.

"Yeah, it's a surprise though." Charlie winks, placing her index finger over her lips. "Don't tell him."

"My lips are sealed," Layna chuckles. "Don't stay out too late though," she says.

"No promises," answers Charlie. "But I'll try to have him back before the sun rises."

Layna shrugs, the smile still dancing on her face. "That's good enough for me."

"Hey, Charlie." Ethan descends the stairs and, on cue, Charlie's heart starts to race, her gaze now settled on him. "What are you doing here? Did Naomi leave already?"

She shakes her head. "Nah, she's watching the game with my dad. I came to uh—ask you if you'd like to, like, go out with me to do stuff and yeah." So she's not so smooth either but she's trying. "Here, these are for you." Without warning, she shoves a couple of rolled up posters into his arms. "I didn't want to get you flowers since they'd just die in a week. So, I figured you'd rather have these posters instead. They have Deadpool, Daredevil and Groot. They're your favorite characters, aren't they?"

Ethan glances down at the posters and then back up at Charlie. Looks like she's not done stupefying him yet. "They are," he confirms, his heart softening. "Thanks. I'll put these in my room and then you can whisk me away and woo me," he teases, running back upstairs.

"That's exactly what I was planning to do!" she calls out after him, her voice echoing throughout the entire house. "How'd you know?"

"Didn't I tell you?" he shouts. "I'm clairvoyant!" A second later, Ethan reappears with a warm jacket wrapped around his body and a dazzling smile etched upon his lips. "Where are you taking me anyway?"

"I thought you said you were clairvoyant?" she snorts. "Shouldn't you know?"

He waves a hand around dismissively. "The ability comes and goes as it pleases. I haven't managed to control it yet."

"You two go on and have a wonderful time then," Layna prods as she stands by the door and watches them make their way towards the rusty, old pickup truck.

"We will," they chorus before they drive off down the road.

"You still haven't answered my question," Ethan points out, turning to look at her.

"I'm taking you to the middle of the woods where nobody will be able to hear you scream," Charlie announces in the most nonchalant, totally non-psychotic, serial-killer way ever.

"I don't know if I should be excited or not..." the boy mutters as he shifts in his seat, his lips hitched to the side. "Because this could go very right and end up being every guy's fantasy or it could go very wrong and end up as a horror movie."

- - -

Author's Thoughts: Welcome new readers! I hope you're enjoying. Where do you think Charlie is going to take him? If you have ideas, feel free to share them! As always, vote and comment if you want :) haha the sexual references are my fav!

Happy April Fools Day, although I didn't prank you guys or anything. OH and thanks for getting this story 2000 votes, over 800 comments and close to 30K views!