Circles

Chapter VII

Spring was beginning to announce itself gradually with the green buds that surrounded the house, and Noah could feel waves of nostalgia washing over him as he gazed out of the wide-open window in his room. Slowly, it crept up to his chest, filling him with a strange emptiness.

Things with Alister were going well, better than he could have ever believed, but it seemed to him that with each passing day, he took a small step further away from him. Fear began to grow in his chest because he was still the same pathetic person he had always been, and he didn't want Alister to know that. Who could love him if he was nothing?

"What are you doing there?" Alister asked him as he approached and tenderly embraced him from behind. "What are you looking at outside?"

"Nothing... just thinking."

"About what?"

Noah turned around to look into his eyes. Alister had the same expression as always. Empty and piercing eyes, as if he was incapable of feeling anything.

"Can we go somewhere?" he asked.

"You want to go on a trip?"

"Yes, if it's possible..."

"Alright. Let me arrange it at work."

"Are you serious?"

"Of course, it's been a while since I took a vacation."

Noah gave him a dazzling smile. "Ahhh, I'm so happy! I thought you would say no!"

"If I can do it, I'll always say yes to you."

"Where should we go?"

"Pick a place. Any place is fine with me."

"Uh? Come on, let's decide together! I want both of us to be happy about this."

"I'm happy if you are. Really."

Noah pouted at him. "Alright, alright. I'll do it this time, but next time you have to decide!"

"Whatever you say."

"How about the beach?"

"Fine."

"Oh, but I remember you said you found the sand annoying..."

"When did I say that? You must have imagined it."

"No... I remember. I pay attention to everything you say, so..."

"Either way, it's fine. If you want to go there, let's go."

"Great!" he laughed. "You can't back out of this, deal?"

"Of course not. I'll tell my secretary to make all the arrangements."

"Uh... ah, okay. I could arrange it myself, you know."

"I don't want you to worry about anything. It's too much for you. She'll take care of it."

"Okay... I guess."

"Now, come here. Lizzie just left," he smiled, extending his hand and leading him to the main room.

A week later, they set off in Alister's car, each carrying two large suitcases. The plan was to spend three nights at an inn near the beach, and Noah could barely contain his excitement on the journey.

"What do you want to do first when we arrive?"

"Rest. I just want to sleep in a little later for now."

"Alright, I'll indulge everything you say today, but tomorrow we should do something else, okay?"

Alister sighed. "Isn't it fun being with me?"