Skipping Stones

Chapter 6

For the first time in a long time, Jameson craved a cigarette. Listening to Liam's story, to how it all was unfair and devastating to be this young and have the world shit on you this badly, he needed the fix. No, he reminded himself. That wasn't what he needed.

Even if he did go back to smoking, it wouldn't change what Liam was going through or make any of the struggles either of them had any easier. His therapist had told him that over and over again, reassuring him that smoking, even that simple urge, was just a temporary fix, one that would only spiral him further into dependency.

The irony, Jameson had realized, of how opposite his circumstances were with Liam's; one was in search of independence, while the other was struggling to cope with his newfound dependency. Both brought together by being at the lake, a special deal of fate, as one might say.

It amused Jameson, no less, but that didn't deter him from wanting to help Liam in any way he could or belittle the independence he still had. With that said, Jameson had a particular plan for today's visit, and luckily, today wasn't nearly as busy as the weeks before.

"Where are we going?"

"I want to show you the eastern side of the lake." Jameson gestured in that direction with his hand, the other still gently holding Liam's forearm. "It's stunning, and I don't think you'll regret it."

As they walked up the slope toward the parking lot, Liam had placed his hand atop Jameson's, finding comfort in it as Jameson directed them along the slightly paved pathway.

"One second," Liam said, pulling out his folded cane from his bag. Extending it and locking it in place, he looked up at the jogger. "I should use this to practice."

"Of course. And if anything, I'll be right here." Jameson led the way towards the paved sidewalk with a nod, letting Liam pause to feel the edge of the curve and divots in the concrete to get a better sense of judgment. As patient as Jameson was, he couldn't wait to show Liam all that the trail had to offer. "The first lookout is about a quarter of a mile ahead; the view is better if we go a little further past it and step down from the trail for a bit. The trees kind of hinder the view from the actual lookout."

Despite the idea of leaving the paved trail sounding terrifying and dangerous, Liam trusted Jameson full-heartedly, knowing he was in good hands. He adjusted his grip, placing his hand along Jameson's bicep as he followed him along the trail.

It didn't take long for Liam to ditch the cane, getting upset when caught onto a rock or a crack in the concrete. He had wanted to practice, but alas, the trail wasn't the best place for it, so he stuffed it back in his bag, settling on clutching Jameson's arm.

Liam had only known about the two observing decks along the trail from the map he's seen at the parking lot. After passing the first and second one and the sparse amount of visitors, Jameson stopped to point to the right of the trail. "It's on the right, next to those redwood trees."

Following the dark-haired jogger, Liam approached the edge of the paved trail cautiously, judging the ground in front of him. Without much peripheral vision left, he narrowed his eyes, trying to follow strictly which steps Jameson took to avoid stepping on uneven ground or on jagged rocks. Even as Jameson stopped to allow Liam all the time he needed, Liam gripped his hand tightly, the foreign area a bit unnerving, to say the least.

Jameson smiled at him, reassuring him that this would be worth it, especially since it offered a more vibrant view of the mountain range and lake they both loved. It was a couple of minutes of walking, along with Liam feeling the barks of the giant redwoods and other trees before Jameson had gestured to the spot. The small clearing overlooked the lake about five yards above the lake's water level. Amused by Liam's reaction, he let him take it in, allowing the different sights, smells and sounds to surround Liam.