An Encounter for a Lifetime

Chapter 16

Kanan spoke with Ayana about helping Emily with her hair and makeup, and she happily agreed. Over the years, Kanan observed Ayana's progress through YouTube tutorials and continuous practice. They exchanged numbers and discussed the details, and their conversation extended beyond beauty topics. It was evident that Emily valued that female presence in her life. While she valued Nathaniel, Ayana offered a different perspective on life. They instantly clicked. Emily opened up in ways she hadn't before, Ayana offering support that Emily had been missing.

The days went by smoothly, with Emily's photoshoot being the main focus. The day finally arrived, and Kanan woke up with a tingling sensation in the pit of his stomach. He couldn't pinpoint the sense of unease that crept over him. It made him curious and urged him to pay attention, as life tends to be an unfolding mystery. As he drove to Nathaniel's house, his senses were on high alert.

"Are you sure this is the right place?" Kaelan asked as he exited the car, staring at the house before him.

"I've been here plenty of times," Kanan said. "I know my boyfriend's house,"

"I don't know what I expected, but I didn't expect this," Ayana remarked. Kanan remembered how he was once in their shoes when Nathaniel invited him over for the first time. He was surprised by the sight of his house. Both the interior and exterior still exuded a luxury that was pleasing to the eyes.

Nathaniel greeted them by the front door, and while Emily led Ayana to her room, they remained in the living room. Nathaniel offered refreshments as they waited for Emily to get ready for the photoshoot to begin. Kanan meticulously checked his camera, ensuring everything was okay.

"How did you guys meet?" Kaelan broke the silence.

"I ended up buying him ice cream," Nathaniel chuckled, resulting in a puzzled look from Kaelan. "He was drunk when we first met, trying to buy ice cream but falling short on cash. So, I offered to pay." He explained.

"That day you got drunk after such a long time," Kaelan observed, connecting the dots.

"He was so insistent on repaying me that I couldn't refuse," Nathaniel continued with a smile. "Even holding my hand."

"Once I sobered up, I realized how embarrassing it was," Kanan interjected. "I wanted to dig a hole and bury myself."

"And now, here we are," Nathaniel said fondly. "I'd buy you that ice cream a million times over if it led to the love of my life." The start of their story was rather comical, and though it might have been embarrassing for Kanan, it resulted in something beautiful.

"A story I'm sure you'll laugh about years from now as you tell your grandkids," Kaelan added.

Kanan and Nathaniel exchanged a glance, their thoughts mirroring each other. The idea of children, much less grandchildren, loomed in the distant future. They hadn't broached the topic with one another, unsure of each other stance on the matter, uncertain if children would be a part of their lives. It was a conversation they needed to have to establish their views on parenthood.

"How about you and Ayana?" Nathaniel inquired.

"We have the classic high school sweetheart story," Kaelan replied, adjusting himself on the couch. "We met in high school. I asked her out, and the rest is history. Six years strong and counting."

"That's a long time," Nathaniel said, glancing at Kanan, his eyes reflecting a shared hope for their relationship to endure for years.

"To think my troublemaker of a brother would settle down," Kanan said. "Thank you, Ayana, for putting up with this short-tempered fool."