Take Me Beyond Your Heart (sequel) boyxboy

*28*

-Nolan-

(Nov 12 Thurs)

I didn't take my brother for granted and I never will.

As excited as I was for him concerning his marriage to Kalani in December, and his baby coming next June or July as expected, it was hitting me that he was truly grown up. Our relationship as kids was stronger than steel and he always found a way to make me feel
worthwhile. I remembered when I was eight and he was sixteen. His friends would come over and he made me fit in despite the age difference.

Now it was time for Justin to go. Now he wouldn't be here as much. He was moving into a comfortable home with Kalani and before they knew it, they'd be married and caring for a child. I was very happy for him because of the new life he'd create, but I'd miss him too
much.

Seeing his room practically empty magnified the little hole in my heart. It was just too neat. I followed my brother down the stairs as he brought down the last suitcase and I saw Asher
at the door.

"I picked up Kalani," he explained to Justin. I just stood in the background and stared at him, temporarily taking my mind off of Justin's leave. Mom and Kalani were there as well, and
like me, Mom was holding herself together.

Justin hugged her and that triggered her tears. She squeezed him to herself and muttered words of love and care.
I saw Asher's eyes land on me and he smiled, making my heart melt. He had a look in his eyes that told me he was here for me. Two days ago, on Zion's birthday, he'd surprised me with a hug and promised he'd never forget my help. I really didn't even realize how much it meant until I saw the tears prickling his beautiful eyes when he let go of me. He felt so accomplished and happy to have been able to throw his son an actual party. To me, there was no greater feeling than seeing him and Zion happy.

"Nolan," I heard Justin call me name, pulling me out of my thoughts. He had walked up to me with wide arms and engulfed me in an embrace. I hugged him back tightly and sighed.

"I'm gonna miss you."

"I'll miss you too," I whispered. He pulled away. "Try to find comfort in Asher. It won't seem too lonely if you do."

I nodded. "I will."

"Okay. And keep Mom company."

"Do I get to sleep over?" I asked.

"Hell yeah you're sleeping over." He chuckled. "I told Mom to try to find someone."

"Really?" I raised an eyebrow.

"Well, yeah. I mean... soon you'll be out the house as well and she has to move on from Dad. I know she wants to, she just doesn't have the drive."

"Yeah," I agreed. "Well, we've got Rocky if anything. She's taken a liking to him already. Maybe we can get another dog."

"Good idea." Justin smiled and hugged me again. "I'll come to your Homecoming game tomorrow."

"Okay. Bye, Justin."

"Bye, Nolan. Love you, man."

"Just um... be careful on the road," I cautioned, rubbing my palms together nervously.

Justin held my arms and looked me straight in the eye. "We'll be safe, I promise you."

"I know, but..."

"Hey, hey. You know I'll be careful, especially now that K-baby is pregnant." He smirked, trying to reassure me.

I nodded, but he knew all too well that my constant fidgeting was a bad sign.

"Is he alright?" Kalani stepped forward and came closer, immense concern in her eyes.

"I'm fine. You guys should go." I tried to reassure them with a smile while burying the rising panic. I knew it wouldn't work. I'd tried every single time to battle my panic but it always
won.