Circles

Chapter XXI

The days passed slowly for Alister. He could barely keep track of the hours that went by, and all he wanted was to go back home and see how Noah was doing. The university didn't matter to him at that moment, but he had returned after his brother had pleaded with him to come back. He couldn't let him down. And upon further reflection, the best thing he could do now was to finish his degree with honors and get into some prestigious company. That was the plan. One of his plans.

For Alister, the days had always been in black and white, drowned out by the brilliance of the world around him, leaving him on the sidelines while everyone else lived life, feeling everything from the smallest to the biggest moments; for him, it was different, as if only scraps were left for him. He was incapable of feeling life's intensity. Which didn't mean he didn't understand, and he often chose to ignore it. It was simpler that way, and less "painful."

However, when he was with Noah, it seemed like he could feel a little more. Noah had always been characterized by overflowing intense emotions, without any control, perhaps too much, but that was precisely what fascinated Alister. It was as if he could steal a bit of the way Noah could feel and experience life.

The realization that he could potentially lose Noah had jolted him, and small traces of concern were beginning to churn in his stomach. As soon as his classes ended, he rushed home to see Noah. The boy seemed to be waiting for him in the same position as when Alister had left, always gazing into the distance through the window.

"I brought pastries," he smiled as he entered the room.

Noah turned to look at him, directing a radiant smile his way.

"How was it?"

"Good. Although I could barely follow the thread of the class."

"Oh, don't worry, I'm sure you'll ace the exams again."

Alister looked at him, amused, as he sat down next to him on the bed.

"I think you have too much faith in me..."

"It's not faith, I'm certain you'll do it."

Alister let out a genuine laugh.

"I'll do it, so I don't disappoint you then."

"You better."

"Do you want to eat?"

"Yes."

"Why don't you get up?"

"I thought about it, but I think I want to sleep a little longer..."

"You're losing track of time; you'll be back at school soon and might struggle to adapt."

"Yeah, well. I don't want to go back."

Alister looked at him surprised.

"What are you talking about? I thought you wanted to go to college..."

"Well... I guess you heard what Dad said about the promise. I'm screwed..."

"Why?"

"He promised Mom he'd take care of me only until I finished high school. So, well, I have less than two years left in this house. You heard him saying he'd kick me out, right?"

"He won't be able to kick you out."

"How do you know? I don't want him to hit me like that again. I'd rather leave peacefully."

"And college?"

"I'll use the money to pay for a place to stay... I don't think I can even cover the university tuition with what I've saved, anyway."

"Don't worry about that now. I'll sort it out, and you won't have to leave. Just wait calmly and don't get into trouble."

Noah looked at him strangely.

"I don't get into trouble..." he muttered.

"Just... don't give him any reason. You're smarter than that."

"Alright..."

"Alright. Next week, then, you'll go back to your classes."

"But Erick..."

Alister's eyes widened in surprise.

"What? What does that bastard have to do with this?"

"He must have told Dad about..."

Noah started getting nervous.

"About what? Noah... won't you tell me?"

"It was n-nothing. Alister, it was nothing, you believe me, right?"

"Why do you look so guilty then? Just be honest."

"I went out... with someone..." he murmured as quickly as he could.

"The boy you drew, right?"

Noah nodded.

"It was w-wrong! I know it was wrong... but it's your fault... I felt lonely, and he came close... and he looked like..."

"It doesn't matter," he interrupted abruptly. He didn't want to hear another word about that boy. "As long as you don't see him again, it's fine."

"I won't, I promise."

"Good. And what does Erick have to do with this...?"

"He was the only one who knew, so he must have told Dad. I thought he was my friend..."

"Oh. Well, you should have listened to me, Noah. I always told you he was a bastard who only caused problems."

Noah lowered his gaze, and Alister could clearly see how he unconsciously brought his fingers closer to the wrist of his left hand.

"Let's have the pastries. Do you want something to go with them? I can get you some milk or something..."

"No, it's fine."

Alister sighed.

"If he approaches you, just tell me, and I'll give him a warning."

"Would you?"

"I'd do anything you asked me to."

Noah stared at him for a few seconds, and Alister could clearly see what he was thinking, but he decided not to say anything. He brought the pastries and some milk to change the subject, and he enjoyed seeing how Noah seemed happier with that simple gesture, eating carelessly and throwing crumbs all around, talking to Alister about the things he wanted to draw once he felt better. Conversations with Noah were always fun, as he jumped from one topic to another without even trying to connect them, as if his thoughts flowed like a river. It was amusing. Alister never knew anyone else who genuinely made him interested in what they said. Moreover, when he spoke, Noah stared at him intensely, focusing all his attention on him and absorbing every word he said; it made him feel important, and he didn't have to pretend to impress him because Noah listened in the same way no matter what topic he spoke about.

"Just hold on for a few weeks. Time will pass faster once you're back in classes."

"Yeah, you're right."

"I always am."

"Yeah, yeah..."