On The Other Side

Chapter 34 - Kind Of Love

GEORGE
—
6 months later...
—

Ever since I heard Clay singing, the night he told me that he loves me, I've been urging him to start a music career. He never took it seriously, but about a week ago, he finally began writing his song.

I've been asking him to show it to me, but he insists I'll only get to listen once it's complete.

A week after we arrived to Florida, we moved into a house just a ten-minute drive from the city. Nick wasted no time in finding me a therapist, and I've been attending sessions regularly since then.

She's been incredibly helpful, and while thoughts of Pablo occasionally resurface, I've found happiness, largely thanks to Clay.

We're dating now.

We've both agreed to take our relationship at a slow pace, but it's challenging given the strong emotions and feelings we have for each other.

Clay has been working as a programmer for a website, while Nick is a skateboarding instructor, working with our neighbor and close friend, Karl.

On our very first night in the new house, we decided to celebrate by drinking and blasting the music. To our surprise, Karl banged on our door, but instead of complaining about the noise, he showed up with an extra speaker and more alcohol. Since that night, we've become a close-knit group.

Around a month ago, we told him about our story – how we met and everything that happened. Karl has been incredibly supportive and understanding about it.

I don't have a job right now, but I really want one to help Nick and Clay pay the bills. The problem is, I haven't found anything I'm interested in. I'm not good at skateboarding, I don't know how to code, and I never really thought about what I wanted to do for work when I was in school because I never thought I would make it to eighteen.

They often reassure me not to stress about it, pointing out the importance of pursuing what I'm passionate about and taking things at my own pace. However, I genuinely don't know what to do.

"I'm home!" Clay's voice suddenly breaks through my daydreaming, catching me off guard.

His voice washes over me like a warm wave of happiness. With an immediate smile, I shut my laptop and practically leap from the bed, my heart racing as I rush out of the room to greet him.

"How was it?" I ask in a hurry as I run down the stairs.

He was at the studio, working on his song, and I can't put into words just how proud I am of him and the talent he carries.

Clay is sitting on a chair near the front door, taking off his shoes. As he stands up and flashes a warm smile, he says, "Hello to you too."

I playfully roll my eyes and approach him. My arms wrap around his neck as I gently kiss him. "Hello," I murmur before nestling my head against his chest. His heartbeat is always so calming to hear, it always makes me happy.

I gaze up at him, and a smile graces his lips. "It's not finished yet, but I decided that you can listen to it," he offers, and I hug him tighter, overflowing with excitement.

"I am so proud of you, Clay," I whisper, and he responds by placing a tender kiss on top of my head. "When can I hear it?" I ask, my anticipation growing.

"Right now," he says with a smile, and my eyes widen with surprise.

"Wait, actually?" I ask in astonishment.

Clay nods and then releases me, reaching into his pocket. He pulls out a USB stick and holds it out in front of my face.

I grin and snatch the USB from his hand, then dash upstairs to our room. Seated on the bed, I grab my laptop, plug in the USB, and just as I do, Clay enters the room.