Growing Pains

Chapter 12

"What about that guy?" Sam enquires, pointing unashamedly across the street as we make our way to our potential new home. I pull his arm down swiftly, laughing under my breath.

"Sam, stop!" I insist, Sam's face falling into a mock pout, his energetic gait giving away his real mood.

"Why? You've not thought that the past five guys I've pointed out are cute. Ooh! What about him?" He asks quickly, another guy catching his eye and I roll my eyes.

"I wish you were still lost in fucking Narnia." I mutter darkly and Sam glares at me.

"No, you don't. You love knowing everything about me." He points out and I reluctantly agree internally.

"Besides, I'm straight as a fucking circle and so as my best friend, you're obligated to talk about cute guys with me." He says matter-of-factly and I scoff.

"Circles are made up of an infinite number of straight lines." I state and Sam's face falls as he gazes at me disappointedly.

"Why are you like this? Who hurt you?" He demands and I laugh.

"Sorry, I'm sorry but it's the truth." I admit and Sam just waves me off dismissively.

I lose myself in my thoughts, my feet unconsciously guiding us on the route to the new apartment. The guys that Sam points out aren't bad, I'm happy to hear about this new aspect of his life and the guys all look perfectly normal. But that's it, just normal. Just ok. I can't help but feel protective, and I can't help but feel like he deserves better than all of these 'normal' guys.

I glance up and note that we've arrived. I slow my pace and Sam follows suit, looking up at the building in awe, glancing to me for confirmation. I nod, smiling at his glowing appearance.

I wait for Sam to fish out the key and he steps forward hesitantly, holding it out for me to take. I take hold of it and unlock the door, holding it open for him. He walks in slowly, smiling gratefully and I expect him to go ahead without me but instead he waits. I shut the door and guide him through into the living room.

Sam's face is a picture, his mouth agape and eyes awestruck. He wanders around appreciatively, no doubt noticing and remembering all the aspects he loves. I don't particularly mind, I've already noted all the negative aspects in my mind, so I let him bathe in his positivity.

I lean against the sofa, thankful that the flat is partially furnished already and watch as Sam grins manically, running past me and up the small flight of stairs towards the bedrooms.

I wait for a moment, laughing to myself as his squeals reach my ears.

"Oh, my GOD! ELIAS! Have you seen these rooms?" His voice echoes and I smile widely. His footsteps clatter back down the hall, moving into the kitchen, hesitating for a moment before crashing around the corner and clunking into me. His arms wrap around me like vines, encasing me in the classic warmth associated with a 'Sam' hug.

He pulls away quickly, smiling so hugely I think his face might crumble from the sheer force of it.

"It's so perfect, Elias. I can't believe you did this." He states, his eyes sparkling.

"It's no problem, I'm glad you like it." I say genuinely, glancing over at the beautiful bay windows which enclose the living room in a soft glow of natural light. I don't want to sound conceited, but I have great taste.

"Did you see the little window ledge in the second bedroom? It's so perfect for you, I can practically see you sitting there already, reading and listening to sad music and shit." He rambles and I laugh, feeling touched that he's thinking of my comfort as well as his own.