Edge of seventeen

Chapter 34

Elliot woke up slowly on Saturday morning, the soft light filtering through the curtains casting a gentle glow across the room. His first sensation was the warmth of another body beside him, and as he blinked awake, he noticed Asher's arm draped protectively around his waist. The proximity made Elliot's heart race a little faster, and a smile tugged at his lips. He realized, with a mixture of surprise and a sort of bittersweet acceptance, that he was falling in love with Asher more and more each passing day.

He blushed, feeling the heat rise in his cheeks. Carefully, so as not to disturb Asher, Elliot gently slipped out of bed. He was eager to freshen up and shake off the remnants of sleep, feeling both nervous and exhilarated about the feelings he was coming to terms with. Asher's presence, even while asleep, felt comforting, and Elliot couldn't help but think about how right it felt to be here, sharing these moments.

As he moved quietly down the stairs, the house was still and peaceful, save for the sounds of the occasional creak in the floorboards. The comforting aroma of breakfast wafted through the air, guiding him towards the kitchen. There, he found Linda, Asher's mom, already busy at work preparing breakfast. The sight of her bustling around the kitchen brought a sense of calm, and Elliot felt a pang of gratitude for the warmth and welcome she had shown him.

"Morning, Linda," Elliot said softly, trying not to startle her.

Linda looked up with a bright smile. "Good morning, Elliot. I hope you slept well."

"I did, thank you. Can I help with anything?" Elliot offered, moving closer to where she was cooking.

"Oh, you're such a sweetheart, but I don't really need help. Thanks though," Linda said, her smile widening. She seemed genuinely happy to see Elliot, and it made Elliot feel even more at ease in her home.

Elliot stood next to her, feeling a bit like an intruder in the cozy, bustling kitchen. As the minutes ticked by, he found himself glancing towards Linda, gathering the courage to voice something that had been weighing on his mind.

Linda glanced at him, noticing his contemplative expression. "Is there something on your mind, Elliot?"

Elliot took a deep breath, the words feeling heavier than he anticipated. "Well, actually, there is. I think I may or may not have developed some feelings for your son."

Linda looked at him, her eyes reflecting understanding and a touch of amusement. "That was pretty obvious. I see the way you look at him."

Elliot's eyes widened slightly, a bit embarrassed to be so transparent. "Really? I didn't think I was that obvious."

Linda chuckled softly, shaking her head. "You're not as subtle as you might think. It's nice to see that you care about him. He's had a rough time recently, and seeing him happy means a lot to me."

Elliot nodded, feeling a mix of relief and nervousness. "I just didn't want to make things awkward, or—"

"No need to worry about that," Linda interrupted gently. "Asher's a smart kid. He knows what he's feeling, and he's not easily swayed by what others think. What's important is that you're both honest with each other."

Elliot smiled, feeling the weight of his worries lift slightly. "Thanks, Linda. I appreciate that."

Asher's mom gave him a warm, encouraging look. "Of course. Now, why don't you sit down and relax? Breakfast will be ready soon. And Elliot, if you ever need to talk about anything, you know where to find me."

Elliot felt a deep sense of comfort and acceptance in her words. He took a seat at the kitchen table, feeling more at home than he ever had. The conversation with Linda had given him a newfound confidence, and he felt more ready than ever to confront his emotions and the path ahead. For now, he would savor these moments, the warmth of the home, and the connection he had with Asher, no matter where it might lead.

Asher eventually joined them, looking groggy but happy to see Elliot already there. The two exchanged sleepy smiles, and Asher greeted his mom with a casual "Morning, Mom," before plopping into a chair at the table. Elliot felt a twinge of happiness at the sight of them together, like a real family—something he hadn't fully experienced before.

Linda bustled around, placing a plate of pancakes in front of each of them, along with a stack of bacon and fresh fruit. The breakfast was simple but hearty, and as they dug in, the conversation flowed easily.

"Have you guys made any plans for the weekend?" Linda asked, her eyes twinkling with curiosity.

Asher grinned. "Not much. Probably just chill here and maybe catch up on some gaming. Elliot might want to explore some local spots since he's been here a while now."

Elliot nodded, grateful for the opportunity to explore and spend more time with Asher. "Yeah, sounds good. I'm up for whatever. I just want to enjoy the time I have here."

The meal continued with light banter and laughter. Asher's playful teasing and Linda's warm stories about past family outings filled the room with a sense of belonging. Elliot felt a profound contentment—something he hadn't experienced in a long time.

After breakfast, Linda gave Elliot and Asher some time to themselves, suggesting they take a walk or maybe do something fun together. Asher suggested they head to a nearby park, and Elliot eagerly agreed. They spent the morning exploring the park, talking about their plans for the future, and enjoying the fresh air.

The day was filled with simple joys, and as the sun began to set, Elliot found himself feeling more hopeful than he had in a long time. He knew that whatever challenges lay ahead, he was no longer facing them alone. He had found a place where he felt truly accepted, and that was worth more than he could put into words.