Notebook [Book One]

Thirty-Three

For years, Nathan adamantly refused to consider the option of surgery to repair his shoulder. The potential results were frightening and deterred him for so long. So it was only natural for the other boys to be so stunned.

They stood silent for a moment before erupting into the usual chaotic noise.

The boys piled in, creating one giant group hug, leaving Aiden on the outside, watching as they bombarded his boyfriend.

They all had questions, things they wanted to know, like why he changed his mind or when it would happen. But most of all, they were happy to see Nathan taking positive steps toward changing his life.

They were excited at the prospect of their old, bubbly friend returning to the surface.

They then realised that the orange-haired boy hadn't joined their hug and was still standing alone.

Nathan's eyes met his, and for a moment, he looked terrified.

The dark-haired boy was convinced the younger boy was mad because he didn't tell him about the decision first.

He thought Aiden would hate him for keeping his choice a secret.

The couple hadn't discussed anything since leaving the hospital because he'd become so emotionally distraught. The orange-haired boy also didn't know about the conversation Nathan had with his dad.

But he knew everything would be okay when Aiden smashed into him, holding onto the older boy in the strongest embrace he'd ever felt.

The younger boy's hands squeezed at Nathan's sides as he pressed his face into his neck, letting the warmth provide the heavenly sanctuary he needed.

Who knew a birthday party would be so emotional?

Nathan gently rubbed the orange-haired boy's back, sighing with relief when the younger boy mumbled against his skin.

"You're amazing."

The brunette certainly didn't feel amazing; he was so anxious.

It took years to build up the courage to say yes and go through with the procedure, and it took multiple medical professionals, friends and the family of his friends to convince him it was the right choice.

He was yet to sign any paperwork to say he would have the operation or even see a doctor about it, but Nathan knew he couldn't carry on this way.

The boy couldn't keep getting sick. He couldn't keep suffering horrendous flare-ups that sapped his strength and left him with horrific migraines and agonising pain.

If he wanted to graduate school and live a normal life, he had to fix the problem.

But that didn't mean just the physical problems, but the emotional ones, too.

If he wanted to be normal, he would have to learn to use his voice again around everyone and not just Aiden and occasionally his parents. Nathan had to learn to speak again, which seemed even more daunting.

Tonight, he wasn't going to worry about that.

The dark-haired boy was going to enjoy his birthday party, drink a few beers and dance with the boy he loved. They could worry about the future tomorrow.

Nathan pulled back from the younger boy, chewing on his bottom lip as he met the dark eyes again. They were a little watery but glittered with admiration and pride, nonetheless.

Aiden smiled brightly.

He had no idea the older boy was considering intervention for the ailments that burdened him, but his decision made him happy.