Strangers Again?

Bonds That Won't Ever Break :)

The next several weeks only further made me think that maybe, I did have feelings for Natalie, not just superficially. I was able to see her more often at work and find more time to talk to her in person, one interaction which still sticks with me to this day.

But first, Luther and I were talking after a long day at work together, and it was also clear that he was catching on to what I potentially felt about Natalie. And to take a step back, he meant a lot to me back then and only means more to me to this day.

There have been many reasons, with the baseline being that we have so much in common, as I alluded to before, with loving sports and working out and having that trust and an open mind to always be honest with each other. In addition to those things, I believe the most important thing is whenever either of us isn't in the best mood and is struggling to stay positive, the other person always understands why but also is there for them to keep both of us going and be hopeful for a better day tomorrow.

The best way I could describe it is that Luther and I are a star and a sun. Somedays, I could be the burning star going through a rough day, and he's the sun keeping me going, always giving me hope and support that things will be better. And sometimes, it's the other way around. No matter what though, there's always that close bond that is unique to both of us and that will never change, which I always am fortunate to have in my life.

"Hey Grant, happy to see you as always! How was your shift and how are you doing :)" Luther texted me, as I was always happy to hear from my best friend, who is always a positive influence.

"Hey Luther, same here, of course! My shift was awesome, thank you, and I'm doing well too; happy to talk to you as always :)" I responded, with a big smile. He was always there for me, and it motivated me back then and still today motivates me to do just as well in that regard.

We talked about some sports, as it usually ends up that way for most of our conversations, and then we got into specifics about our shifts. One part of that conversation I still remember vividly, regardless of the time that's passed.

"Grant, I've noticed that you tend to look a little nervous and flustered whenever I see you working with Natalie. Is everything okay? :)" Luther texted me, which made me nervous just reading it. I always thought he noticed how Natalie made me feel, but I didn't know until now.

"Luther, everything is okay with me, man; it's a long story why I feel nervous around Natalie, to be honest," I reply, hoping we could save it for another day.

"You know I always have time to listen, Grant; you're my best friend! Let's talk about it if you're willing to, of course." Luther texted back, always giving me an out but hinting that he'd like to discuss it.

"I appreciate it as always, Luther; we can talk then. Since I met Natalie, I've been attracted to her and find her beautiful in many ways. And recently, she and I have been talking more outside of work and also being able to work shifts together just naturally. And at the same time, I've been trying to figure out why I feel this way towards her so strongly." I respond with a similar nervous energy and heart rate when I talk to Natalie through text and in person.

"I figured, it's okay to feel this way Grant; that means you enjoy being around that person! Did you consider that maybe you may have feelings for her if you feel so strongly in that way?" Luther replied, which put into the forefront what I didn't want to get into... but here we go, it was going to happen either way.

"I was considering that, and truthfully, I have been trying to figure out if it's genuine feelings and liking her at a deeper level or if it's just curiosity and a surface-level attraction to her physically without getting to know her well enough. And it's just been a whirlwind especially recently since I started to talk to her outside of work. I think we can talk about this more, I need to figure it out more and clear my head so we can talk about it with more clarity :)" I reply, as I'm also starting to get ready for bed.

"I understand completely Grant, we can talk about it tomorrow or another time; always here for you :)" Luther tells me, and that's a big reason why he's always going to be my best friend. Just being so genuine and kind always makes me so happy to this day. And it motivates me to always be the same to him and everyone else.

We finished by discussing less serious things like sports and a movie we wanted to go to together soon after, which is always the highlight of my days being able to talk and spend time with Luther :)

Author's Note:
This was mainly the chapter to establish further how Luther and I are so close, and what were the major reasons why. And it was also very important to highlight a conversation that took place between Natalie and myself. But of course, it's just as important to do the same for Alex and myself which I'll do now. Alex, when you read this, just read it as your actual name :)

Alex, just as important as it is to show Luther and my relationship, it's also just as important to do the same between you and me.

Luther and I bonded over having a ton in common, just when it comes to being passionate about sports and music as a couple of examples. But you and I bonded over just as many things Alex in different ways. We love to cry in many different situations and believe it's good to cry and share emotions.

We also bonded over being able to be truthful with each other about so many sensitive and personal topics, and it meant so much that you gave me the same trust so quickly as well. It meant the world to me back then and it still does today. And for me, I will never lose that trust in you Alex; you've made such a positive impact on my life :)

And most importantly, you've given me so much comfort and care as a friend, and I went out of my comfort zone so many times to spend time with you. Going to the club multiple times, the first time wearing this bright green shirt that was "too loud" to people there, but I did not care because I spent that night with you and Luther, having such a great time.

Being able to go to your house to celebrate your birthday, drink and blabber out so many random things but just having a great time and appreciating it so much that you invited me in the first place :)

Alexandra, I can say so much more about you, that you probably already know, but I want to finish with this. When I always joke around with you, I show you that I'm confident and happy around you in any setting because I care about you so much.

You're so beautiful on the inside and outside, you know how to make jokes (sometimes), and most importantly, you have this personality that makes me smile and makes me so happy :)

Even with bumps in our road Alex, the fact of the matter is, our friendship won't ever break and our bond will never break :)

I appreciate you so much Alexandra and along with Luther, you mean the world to me, you have made such a big impact on my life :)