Love Of My Life

Everybody Hurts Sometimes-March 8, 2019

Recommended song Everybody Hurts Sometime by Roger Taylor (the multi talented drummer of Queen.

Benjamin's POV

March 8, 2019

Benjamin looked at the young man and smiled warmly. He couldn't believe how lucky he was to be with him and at the end of their days together he felt it more difficult to say goodnight. He had fallen hard for Tyler and couldn't imagine loving anyone as deep and pure as he loved him.

It had been an amazing eight months for them both. They had been nearly inseparable since their first date and time had passed quickly with their feelings only growing.

It was the first time either had been in love and for Benjamin it was overwhelming at times. He was so happy that he sometimes didn't think it was real.

He had never been so comfortable talking to someone, Tyler accepted him for exactly who he was and that meant everything to him. He didn't want to fake things, be unauthentic and not say how he really felt about things. Though Tyler was nearly 10 years younger, he was a wise old soul. He treasured the people in his life and knew the value of them. Time had passed quickly and their feelings only grew.

He looking forward to the summer so they could spend more time together. It had been a hectic fall and winter, Tyler with university courses and Benjamin juggling work and guitar club. They made it work and were committed to making time for each other, regardless how busy.

They had easily woven into each other's lives. Elaine had met her son's boyfriend soon after they began dating and she absolutely adored him, welcoming Tyler into her family with open arms.

They also spent a lot of time with Doris. Benjamin noticed that Doris was starting to slow down a bit and becoming forgetful. Tyler easily integrated into her and Benjamin's routine and she loved the young man.

Benjamin had expected to meet resistance from Tyler's parents but they accepted him happily into their home. They spent a lot of time with the boys and Kevin in particular took a shine to him since they both loved Science World and had gone their three times in the past month.

Tyler and Benjamin hadn't been intimate. Not even remotely. They held hands, small kisses that sometimes got passionate before one of them would pull back blushing.

Although both felt the pull to do more they resisted the urge; feeling it would be better to wait. Benjamin wanted to wait until Tyler was 19, he was more comfortable with that.

Although Tyler turned him on like no other and he wanted to feel his bare skin under his body, it was getting more and more difficult for both of them to pull away when their kisses got heated. He knew Tyler was equally frustrated but he didn't want to mess it up. rushing into something they weren't ready for.

They were performing at Adams club that evening then going out for a midnight cruise at English Bay afterwards. Benjamin planned most of their dates and they were always romantic and thoughtful.

He had waited, what seemed like a lifetime, for someone to love and he wanted to show Tyler how special he was. It was obvious they were both in love but neither had said it aloud. They were both comfortable with the slow pace and although it hadn't been said to each other, they knew that it was love to last a lifetime.

Tyler would turn 19 in July and Benjamin had made surprise plans for them. He had gone on the West Coast trail by himself the summer before and although he enjoyed it tremendously, he wanted to hike it with Tyler. Benjamin had discussed it with Debbie and Peter and they thought it was a great idea. He hoped he wasn't overstepping but he pushed his insecurities to the side and decided if he was out of line then Tyler would tell him.

"We're up now" Tyler said interupting his thoughts. He gave the young man a hug and they walked to the stage. Tyler stopped midway across the stage and his face paled. He turned and ran off, leaving Benjamin confused as he followed him.

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Tyler's POV

No, no, no. This can't be happening. He crouched into a small ball against the wall and that was where Benjamin found him. He felt arms go around him and Benjamin asking what happened. He couldn't answer. He couldn't talk. His breathing had quickened and he began shaking uncontrollably.

He heard Benjamin voice but couldn't make out what he was saying. He was helped to his feet and holding him as they walked slowly to the Benjamin's car. His hands were now covering his face and he was trying to regain normal breathing but he was in a full blown anxiety attack. Benjamin leaned in and wrapped him tightly in his arms, rubbing his back and reassuring him.

"You are safe. I'm here with you". He felt a kiss on his forehead and finally Tyler started to calm down.

How could this happen? Why was she there? She was not allowed to be within Vancouver's city limits, yet there she was. Bold as brass, just like she always was. His thoughts racing. Benjamin kept looking at him, frowning with worry.

"It was her. It was her". Tyler kept repeating.

"Who Tyler?" Benjamin kept asking him.

Finally he answered. "Karen". He barely heard it, Tyler had said it so quietly. At that moment the young man shut down. Benjamin pulled into the driveway and saw Debbie and Peter waiting for them outside, Benjamin had called them a few minutes prior. They rushed to the car and Peter helped his son inside.

"What happened?"

"I don't know. We were walking across the stage then he ran off. I found him curled in a ball in the hallway. He said "Karen".

Debbie looked horrified and ran towards the house. Benjamin followed her, with Tyler leaning on him for support. Benjamin was as confused as ever and even more worried than even just a few minutes before. Debbie called Peter out of the room and asked Benjamin to sit with Tyler who was curled up in his bed.

Benjamin lifted the blanket and slid in next to his boyfriend. He enveloped his arms around his frame and did his best to comfort him. Tyler didn't make a move, didn't cry, he just laid there quietly.

Benjamin closed his eyes and fell asleep, it was just for 20 minutes or so but when he woke up he saw that Tyler had turned to face him and buried himself in his chest and moved as close as possible to him. He was sleeping comfortably. He gazed at his love, so concerned for him. He brushed his hair off of his face and rubbed his cheeks before kissing his forehead and snuggling back to him.

After a while he saw the door slowly open and Shane peer in. Benjamin motioned him in. "What happened to Ty?" The boy asked, his eyes full of tears.

"I don't know Buddy. Here you come lay with him and I'm going to talk to your mom and dad. I know he will be happy to see you".

Shane made the motion of "just a minute with his finger" and ran out the room only to return a moment later with Pancake. He urged the dog up on the bed who sensed where he was needed and curled up close to Tyler.

"Good job Pancake. He will be happy to see you when he wakes up Shane" Benjamin said, knowing their close relationship. "I will be back in a bit". He said ruffling the boys hair.

He entered the kitchen and saw Debbie on the phone and Peter and Simon talking quietly at the table.

He sat with them and waited for Debbie to finish her phone call. After a few minutes she hung up. Finally Benjamin spoke. "Who is Karen?" he asked cautiously.

"She is Tyler's birth mother". Debbie spoke with so much anger that her hands were shaking. She looked at Benjamin and asked if he wanted a coffee because it was going to be a long night.