Aiden [Book Two]

23

There had been very few times when Nathan spent time alone with either of his boyfriend's parents since moving in with them.

When he was recovering from surgery and Aiden was at school, Chris or Grace would visit to keep him company. He spent a few hours here and there with the adults when they accompanied him to his physiotherapy appointments, but usually, the younger boy was present.

They all knew how nervous Nathan used to be in the early stages of their relationship, and how he struggled to trust any adults, so they never forced him to be around them. He wasn't anywhere near as anxious about spending time with them anymore, but it still seemed a little strange to be without Aiden.

The car journey with Grace was remarkably easy for a teenager who once couldn't look the woman in the eyes without clamming up.

She was gentle when ensuring the seatbelt didn't sit uncomfortably against the boy's sling and cause any pain. She didn't push him to talk when asking questions, and looked at him, checking for physical responses when she spoke.

The woman was attentive and, despite knowing Nathan could take care of himself one-handed; she checked on him after getting out of the car. She knew his shoulder was in poor condition and he often suppressed or hid his pain until it became overwhelming.

Nathan was too independent for his own good sometimes.

Strolling into the store, the pair had wordlessly agreed that they needed a break from reality. From the endless reminder of what they dealt with at home.

Grace talked about anything other than her son, unless she spotted something he would like, and that suited the duo just fine. They were exhausted and as hard as it was for Grace to admit; she was having a hard time forgiving Aiden for keeping more secrets.

He promised to tell them when something bad was happening, but didn't, and ended up in a horrible situation affecting more than just himself. It wasn't his fault. She knew that. But it would take time to forget.

Nathan chuckled as he pulled his phone back, erasing a message as he shoved it back into his pocket.

Communicating with his boyfriend's mother wasn't particularly difficult either, even without his notebook. The woman was laid back and patient; she didn't mind waiting for him to type and hand his phone over.

After living in their home for several months, Nathan's communication methods became obvious, and the Lewis family adapted. There was no pressure to speak.

It made communicating in a busy store a little more difficult, though.

"Are you sure you're going to be okay? I can walk around with you if you need help."

Grace emphasised her question by readjusting the brunette's hoodie, brushing the fragile shoulder as she smiled at him. He was independent and strong, but not invincible. That was clear in how he'd chosen to wear the sling that morning, instead of the freedom of the brace.

Nathan shook his head, waving his hand in the opposite direction as he smiled in return. He knew what he wanted, and didn't want to burden the woman with his presence.

Cupping his only good hand, Grace gave it a light squeeze before watching the teen walk away, promising to come and find him when she finished her shopping. If he needed her, all he had to do was text and call, and she would answer, even if he couldn't speak amongst the crowd.

After twenty to thirty minutes, when the dark-haired woman had collected everything she needed, she went in search of her company.

The woman dragged her shopping basket through the bustling aisles, searching for the teenage boy who stood just above her height. She knew crowds did not affect the older boy and didn't worry about being around people, but she didn't want to leave him for too long in case he got hurt.