Hopelessly Devoted

[60] - Goodbye, Nate

Today is the last day we're going to see Nate for the next three months. He told us he didn't want to make a big thing about it since he doesn't want Lucy to be upset, so we all decided on just hanging out. We went to Ethan and Graysons second house, and threw a small little party.

"The place sure turned out nice," I smirked, hinting at all the decorations I did.

"Sure did," Ethan chuckled and kissed my head.

"Thanks, Lena," Nate smiled as he held onto Lucy. I shot him a wide smile. I can't believe he's leaving. 3 months isn't very long, but I'm so used to seeing him every day. It'll be strange. I just hope I'll have a lot more time to see him before I leave.

"Here," Grayson announced as he entered the room with a plate full of food. Ethan gagged at the thought of Graysons cooking, but I really think Grayson can cook. We all took some and continued talking as we ate.

Madison was sitting at the breakfast table with Sasha and Aaron. Lucy and Nate were sitting on the couch together. They hadn't left each other's sides all day. Ethan and I stood outside in the back porch while we set up the final streamers on the deck roof.

"Save some more of the cookie for me," I called out to Grayson through the opened sliding glass door. He nodded and set away the plate with a chuckle.

I turned to look up at the sky as the sun began to set, colors of pink, yellow, red and orange filled the sky. Ethan looked up too, his arms around me.

"I just want you to know," he whispered into my hair, resting his chin on my head, "when you're gone, every time you see the sun set, just know, I'll be thinking about you."

My heart fluttered at his words and I cuddled in tightly to his chest. We held each other for a bit, until Sasha interrupted, "Sorry lovebirds, but it's time to give Nate our present." She whispered.

I pulled away from Ethan in excitement and followed Sasha inside, leaving Ethan following behind. I stood in the centre of the lounge room and called out to everyone, "can everyone please come in here? We've got one more thing for you, Nate."

I hate to take all the credit, but the gift was my idea. I guess I just get too excited sometimes when it comes to celebrations. Him leaving isn't a celebration, but him leaving to go do his dream job definitely is.

They all crowded around the lounge room, some taking seats and some leaning up against the wall. Grayson and Madison came in holding the box, and they planted it in front of Nate and his face flushed red, "guys, you shouldn't have."

"You haven't even seen what's inside yet," Aaron rubbed his shoulders to hype him up.

"Open it," I said excitedly, tucking my bottom lip between my teeth.

His smile deepened and he began to rip the wrapping paper around it. My feet tapped in excitement and Sasha had to remind me to calm down. I just love people opening my presents!

"No!" He smile reaching his ears, "you guys!"

He held up the basketball jersey from his favorite team, Chicago Bulls, and his eyes danced around the signatures on the top. All of us signed it, and we even got his favorite player to sign. Grayson got that job done, I didn't even know who he was.

"I love it," he smiled at all of us.

"There's one more," Lucy pointed to the bottom of the box. He picked up the picture frame and smiled at the photo inside; a picture of all of us together, laughing our heads off. I can't remember who took it, or what we were laughing about but seeing us so happy was enough.

"I can't thank you guys enough," his eyes brimmed with tears, but he quickly pushes them back. He stood up to hug us all, ending with Lucy, except he gave her a kiss. We all clapped and cheered for Nate, as he was leaving for such s great reason. I held onto Ethan, wrapping my arms around his waist, knowing he felt awkward since this would be me soon.

"Cake time?" Grayson asked with wiggly eyebrows and Ethan groaned.

"Count me out," he rolled his eyes. I saw the sadness in Grayson's eyes, but soon faded when everyone said they wanted some.

Ethan and I went outside again as we waited for Grayson. We sat on the little couch outside and I cuddled into his side.

"I can't wait until we buy our very first place together," he smiled, "I promise the backyard will be much nicer than this. I'll put a stone path leading from here," he pointed to the porch stairs, "and it will lead into a little secret garden where I'll grow all of your favorite flowers. I'll even put a little fountain in the centre so you can see your reflection in the water and always remember just how perfect you are."

He might as well just kill me, because that's what his words are doing. He's got such a way with words it's incredible. And he's still holding onto the fact of living with me, growing old with him. He's completely devoted to me. And I'm devoted to him.

We eventually went inside because it got dark out and we sat in the lounge room. Nate and Lucy disappeared but it was pretty obvious where they went... and what they were doing. We all laughed at the thought and got to talking.

"Lucy's going to be really upset this week," Madison frowned taking the last bite of her second bowl of cake.

"We'll just have to take her mind off it," Sasha nodded, tapping her fingers on the couch.

"I'm going to be like Lucy in December," Ethan whispered, "except I won't get my mind off of you, until I see you."

"I'll visit every time I can," I rubbed his hands, "plus, you'll probably see me on a billboard," I laughed at how far I'm reaching. I'm doing this because it's my dream. I mean, I know I'm not going to make it big and be a household name like Beyoncé, Adele or Mariah Carey. But, I'll be doing what I love and that's where my happiness is. Except, without Ethan...

"Look who's back," Aaron laughed when Nate and Lucy entered the room again. They both look very sweaty, but they have frowns on their faces.

"I have to go now guys," he frowned and held onto Lucy's hand.

We all sighed and got up to hug Nate. We all said little things to him, like congratulations, hope you enjoy it there, keep in contact. Lucy was so distraught it hurt my heart to see her like this. Three months. It'll fly.

"I'll see you guys when I see you," he forced out a smile, trying to cheer us up. We watched as he walked out to his car with Lucy. We all huddled on the porch and stood, waving. I swear Aaron let a tear slip out when he watched them drive away.

"You alright, man?" Grayson asked, patting his back.

"I'm fine, leaving me alone." He sulked and went back inside, leaving Sasha completely confused.

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