Whispers Of The Heart

Chapter 32 - The Final Destination

CLAY'S POV:
-
8 months later
-

"Bye, chat!" I say as I click the button to end the stream, turning off my face cam.

It's been approximately eight months since George woke up, and a little over a month since Karl and him moved in with me, Nick, and Patches. I also face revealed and the reactions have been better than I expected.

For a better experience, listen to this song: This Side Of Paradise - Coyote Theory

After George's recovery and his release from the hospital, we wasted no time in taking the necessary steps to get his visa. With the support and assistance of our incredible fans, who tirelessly reached out and advocated on his behalf through countless emails, the process was expedited, leading to the quick acceptance of his visa application. The collective effort from our community played a significant role in making this possible, and we are forever grateful for their unwavering support.

I helped George in choosing a new car for Wilbur, although Wilbur was initially hesitant to accept it. Eventually, he agreed to receive the car under one condition: George must get his driver's license.

A week after starting his driving lessons, George mustered the courage to get behind the wheel. It was a challenging journey for him, as he still sheltered a fear of driving. However, with patience and determination, he persevered, gradually gaining confidence on the road. A month and a half later, he successfully got his driver's license. Despite his achievement, George continues to drive only when necessary. His fear remains, but I'm proud of him either way.

I stayed by George's side for the majority of the time in the UK. I made it a priority to be there for him, offering a reassuring presence and helping him navigate through any lingering dark thoughts.

When George finally moved to Florida, I made sure to find a highly recommended therapist for him. Seeing the positive impact therapy had on his well-being, he encouraged me to start going. Recognizing the importance of my own mental health, I agreed and started attending the appointments.

Since going to therapy, mine and George's outlook on life became brighter, and a newfound sense of happiness and positivity radiates from us. Seeing him flourish and regain his zest for life brought me immense joy and reassurance. Our shared commitment to mental health and emotional well-being became the foundation of our relationship, allowing us to grow together and build a stronger, more resilient bond.

In the first few months after his release from the hospital, George struggled with accepting his scarred hand. Despite our reassurances and reminders that he is beautiful the way he is, he remained hesitant to expose his hand, often choosing to suppress it by wearing long sleeves. I made an effort to support him through this journey, reminding him that his scar was a testament to his perseverance. Over time, his self-confidence gradually grew, and he became more comfortable with his scar. However, he still covers it.

Sometimes, I catch him stealing glances at his hand in the mirror, lost in thought. It's during those moments that I understand the lingering impact the accident has had on him. I approach him gently, placing a hand on his shoulder, and our eyes meet in the reflection.

"Baby," I whisper, wrapping my arms around him from behind and meeting his gaze in the mirror. "You are the perfection of beauty, inside and out." I press a gentle kiss against his head, my love for him overflowing. "The scars on your hand are proof that you won. They only add to the unique story that is written on your skin." I hold him tighter, wanting him to feel the depth of my love and admiration.

His smile brightens, cheeks tinted with a rosy blush. "Thank you, my love," he murmurs, turning within my embrace and meeting my lips in a tender kiss. As we part, he shares his newfound courage, "I've decided to wear short sleeves to my appointment today. I think I'm ready." My heart swells with pride and affection for him.

A playful smirk dances upon my lips as I admire him. "You should. You look absolutely stunning," I whisper in his ear, causing his cheeks to flush an even deeper shade of red.

"Will you drive me?" he asks, rolling his eyes playfully before gently pushing me aside. He turns his attention to the mirror, adjusting his hair with meticulous care. I watch him with a fond smile, appreciating his efforts to look his best.

I chuckle and step closer to him, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. "If you promise to drive back," I say, my voice filled with encouragement.

"Clay..." he turns around and gives me puppy eyes.

"Okay, Georgie," I chuckle, playfully rolling my eyes. His mischievous grin widens, well aware of the power his puppy eyes hold over me.

Before leaving, we go downstairs to Nick and Karl to talk to them a little bit.

"Karl, do you know where the white invitations with the little fires on them are?" Nick asks, his frustration evident as he walks past us toward Karl in the living room, seemingly unaware of our presence.

"Nick, I've already told you, we're not having fire-themed wedding invitations!" Karl's tired voice carries over to us, filled with a hint of annoyance and a touch of eye-rolling.

"When we get married, other people are planning our wedding," I whisper to George, and he nods in agreement, his eyes widening.

We enter the living room and find Karl sitting on the floor in front of the coffee table, engrossed in making the wedding invitations. Patches sits on the table, curiously observing Karl's activities.

"Are you leaving yet?" Karl asks us, looking up from the paper in his hand.

"Yeah..." I nod at him, feeling a mix of anticipation and anxiety. I can sense that Karl wants to involve us in the wedding preparations, but the thought of potentially making mistakes and adding to their stress makes me apprehensive. I want to support them, but I'm also afraid of messing something up.

"Leave ASAP," he says and George muster a small 'bye' before walking towards the front door and sliding on his shoes. "The people are bringing cakes over and we need SPACE."

I share a knowing smile with Nick as he rolls his eyes at Karl's remark. We understand the stress and pressure they are under, but we also know that their wedding day will be a beautiful celebration of their love.

"They live here, idiot," Nick says as his tired gaze meets mine, he blinks, a clear sign of his exhaustion. I understand the toll the wedding preparations have taken on them, and it's a reminder that they need rest and space to recharge.

"I know, that's why I told them to leave."

I get to the front door and put on my shoes, George is already waiting for me in the car.

"Bye, losers. I love you!" I yell as I open the door.

"Love you!" Nick and Karl yell together and I laugh before closing the door.

I take George to his therapy session and wait for him in the car, giving him the space and privacy he needs. Afterward, I suggest going out for dinner, considering the wedding chaos at home and our exhaustion. We both agree that a relaxing meal outside would be a nice change of pace.

As we savor each bite, my heart swells with overwhelming emotions. I can't help but fix my gaze upon George, my eyes filled with a mixture of awe, love, and gratitude. The realization hits me again, like a wave crashing upon the shore, that he is not just a dream or a fleeting moment, but a permanent part of my life. The magnitude of this connection, this bond we share, fills me with a profound sense of joy and contentment. In this simple moment, as we sit together, I am reminded of the incredible journey we have undertaken and the immense strength of our love.

I can't wait to marry him.

-