Midnight Rides

Chapter XIV

I was tired the next morning, looking at Aaron, his tender breathing making me smile softly. I moved to leave the bed, going to the closet and grabbed one of Aaron's ColdPlay shirt. I slipped it over a pair of shorts I was wearing before heading down stairs. I went to the kitchen to cook breakfast for Aaron. I was fixing chocolate chip pancakes for him, since I was starting a new diet. I was working with my friend, Penelope. She was strict about eating habits and how you shouldn't eat things that make you fat, or bloated in any way, which was the majority of food in America. Sighing I hear Aaron waking up, moving around upstairs as someone knocked at the door before walking in.

I looked over, seeing Penelope frowning as she looks at the food I was in front of. She scoffs softly before walking to the counter and looking at the food.

"Are you going be the one who eats this?" She asks, disgust filling her voice. I looked at her. Her freckles exploding on her face as her cheek bones are more defined. I shook my head, setting the pancake on the plate. "Then are you cooking it?" She asks, poking at the food,

"It's not for mine, it's for Aaron," I responded. I looked at the door of the kitchen and watched as Aaron walked in, smiling when I gave him the food. He kissed me on the cheek, looking at Penelope, frowning.

"Hi Penelope," He mumbled out, grabbing the syrup from the cabinet.

"Hi Aaron," Penelope spoke, scrunching her face, "You know that makes you fat, right?" She questioned him. He breaths through his nose before turning to face her.

"It'll probably make you fat since you don't fucking work out," He grumbled out, walking out of the room.

The tension in the room hung heavy, filling the air with an uncomfortable energy. I watched as Aaron, his face etched with a mix of frustration and disbelief, left the kitchen, retreating from the conversation with Penelope. Part of me wanted to follow him, to provide comfort and assurance, but I also knew that addressing the situation with Penelope was necessary.

Taking a deep breath, I turned towards Penelope, trying to keep my voice steady despite the surge of emotions swirling within me. "Penelope, I appreciate your concern, but it's important to remember that everyone has their own choices and preferences when it comes to their diet and lifestyle."

She crossed her arms defiantly, her brows furrowed in disapproval. "Noah, you need to be more careful about what you put into your body. These chocolate chip pancakes are loaded with sugar and calories. They're not good for you."

I held my ground, feeling a mix of frustration and determination rise within me. "Penelope, I understand your perspective, but it's also important to find balance. I believe in enjoying the foods I love in moderation. Besides, these pancakes are for Aaron, not me. He enjoys them, and it's important for me to support his choices too."

Penelope's expression softened slightly, though her disapproval still lingered. "Well, I just want what's best for you, Noah. I don't want you to compromise your health and well-being."

I nodded, appreciating her concern but also recognizing the need to assert my own autonomy. "I understand, Penelope, and I appreciate your care for me. But it's also crucial to respect individual choices and find what works best for each person. What matters most is finding a healthy balance that promotes both physical and emotional well-being."

As our conversation reached a standstill, a sense of unease settled over us. The clash of perspectives had highlighted the differences in our approaches to health and nutrition. It was a reminder that friendships, like any other relationship, required open communication and understanding.

Silently, I pondered the complexity of navigating these differences. How could we maintain our friendship while still honoring our own values and choices? It was a question that didn't have an easy answer.

Breaking the silence, Penelope's voice softened. "Noah, I apologize if I came across as judgmental. I just worry about you."

I smiled, appreciating her willingness to acknowledge the impact of her words. "Thank you, Penelope. I know your intentions come from a place of genuine concern, and I value our friendship. Let's remember that we can support each other without imposing our own beliefs."

With a newfound understanding, we exchanged a conciliatory glance, silently agreeing to move forward with empathy and respect. It was a reminder that true friendship was built on acceptance and the willingness to embrace each other's differences.

Leaving the kitchen, I sought out Aaron, finding him in our living room, lost in his thoughts. I approached him, gently placing a hand on his arm. He turned to me, his eyes filled with a mix of frustration and vulnerability.

"I'm sorry about Penelope," I whispered, my voice filled with empathy. "She means well, but we have to remember that our choices are our own."

Aaron sighed, his shoulders sagging. "I know, it's just frustrating sometimes. I wish she could understand that what works for her might not work for everyone."

I nodded, squeezing his hand in reassurance. "We'll navigate these differences together, Aaron. We'll support each other and stand strong in our choices. Our love and understanding will prevail."

As we embraced, I knew that our relationship was built on a foundation of mutual respect and acceptance. We would face challenges, both from within and from the outside world, but our love would always be the guiding light that led us forward.