this is really a brilliant story so far, you should definitly keep it up.
I adored the last line: "we're alright. it pays the rent." ha!
Charlie seems like a wonderful character, and so much different then any other OC in these types of stories. Its nice to read about someone who isn't 19 and perfect. :)
Author's response
Thaaaank you. I wasn't sure how this story would be received, but I'm relieved it's going over well. I noticed a huge amount of stories involving young "Mary Sue" kind of girls-I'm guilty of it too-and I wanted to do something a little different. Glad you like it.