The End Is Only the Beginning

03. How It Actually Starts

03. How It Actually Starts

"Where are we going?"

"Be patient, I'm going to give you a taste of real Miami cuisine," I answered.

Aaron turned to me with a frown, glancing around the sidewalk as if it would give him a hint. "How do I know you're not going to murder me?" he asked, "this is how at least half of the 'Criminal Minds' episodes begin."

"If I was going to murder you I could've just done that while we were at the beach," I spoke softly, grinning when Aaron let out a single bark of laughter. "Now stop whining, we're almost there." I saw Aaron roll his eyes, but he stayed quiet.

Again, Aaron and I continued in a comfortable silence until some calling my name caused us to stop. "Caleb! It's been a while," the voice spoke, and I instantly recognised it.

The voice belonged to a girl who I had previously dated, maybe a year ago. Her name was Georgia. She was attractive, brunette, quirky and extremely sweet; we'd had a good relationship for around four months, but then she'd moved schools and we had drifted apart.

"Hi," I smiled, Aaron shifted awkwardly beside me. "How's Tampa treating you?"

"It's really good actually," Georgia answered, still beaming before turning to look at Aaron. "And who's this? Anyone I should know about?" she asked.

Aaron and I exchanged a look. "This is Aaron," I introduced, "Aaron, meet Georgia, my ex."

We spoke to Georgia for about five more minutes before continuing on our short journey- which seemed to take longer than usual- to the restaurant of my choice. When we arrived at our destination Aaron turned to me looking unimpressed.

"A burger shack?" he questioned. "How is this 'real Miami cuisine'?"

"Because nobody makes cheeseburgers like they do here," I replied, holding the door open for Aaron to walk through.

"You're full of shit, Caleb."

But Aaron seemed happy enough as we found a table near the back of the shack, the pair of us browsing through the menu. I couldn't help looking up to admire Aaron; at this moment he looked so relaxed, his golden eyes glistening.

"Are you guys ready to order?" another voice that I recognised spoke; this time it was a male, Vance.

"I'll just have one of your original cheeseburgers and lemonade, please."

"And could I have a bacon and chicken burger, and lemonade as well please?" Aaron spoke politely.

Vance scribbled down our orders, his eyes lingering on me for a little longer than average. Aaron had obviously noticed Vance staring, and rather than saying anything he just messed with his hands until Vance finally left us in peace. "What was that?" he asked the second Vance had gone.

"Would you believe me if I told you that was another one of my exes?"

Aaron stopped playing with his hands before looking up to me with wide eyes, "you're gay?"

"I mean, I'd probably class myself a bi," I replied awkwardly. From Aaron's reaction- and wide eyes- I sort of expected him to up and leave; but he didn't. For a second there was a strange look on his face, but it left as quickly as it appeared.

"Cool," was all he said.

--

It was a Saturday, and I had been attending my new high school for two complete weeks.