california world - dreamnotfound

healing process (new beginnings)

epilogue

clay's pov
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one year later

i pull into the nearly empty parking lot, only a few old pickups scattered around the perimeter. my eyes scan the dark area for the specific person i've planned to meet. i've only got a flickering motel sign and the headlights of my car to trust this early in the morning. the sun most likely won't rise for another hour.

as i make a left turn, the bright lights shine upon a figure carrying a big backpack. he's wearing a white hoodie and dirty ripped jeans, his fluffy brown hair a cute mess. as he looks up from his phone, distracted by the sudden change in lighting, i immediately recognize his face. i roll my window down, greeting him while slowing the car and parking right next to the curb.

"clay!"

the doors unlock with a clicking sound allowing me to exit. as soon as i'm on my feet he practically launches himself into my arms. i'm a little taken aback at first, but after a short moment i melt into the hug, burying my face in the shorter boy's shoulder.

"i've missed you man.."
"i've missed you too, nick."

we let go only after a good five seconds.

"how are things?" he wonders, his lips curled up in a huge smile.
"they're as good as they can be, i guess."
"you've blown up! it's crazy dude."
"i know," i laugh, "i never thought it'd be possible."

my youtube channel really started taking off late last year to my great surprise. i thought i'd never make it big, thought i'd always be stuck in the minimum wage loop. then all of a sudden luck just seemed to be on my side.

now i've got millions of subscribers, millions of views on every video, more money than i can physically spend and i'm still steadily growing. it's truly mind boggling and i know i'll be forever in debt to my fans, the people who made all of it possible. who made one of my biggest dreams come true.

"how about you? any luck in terms of housing?"

"well," he starts, placing a hand on the hood, "one of my friends offered me a job at his company. not legal of course, but it gets me some cash. i'll never be able to afford an apartment or anything with my current money but he lets me stay over at his place a lot. if he needs me out i usually go hopping between other friends. nothing glamorous, but no more sleeping rough at least."

i smile at him, relieved, motioning for him to get in the passenger seat.

"although sometimes i miss the streets. the unpredictable events, the unprecedented fun. there's nothing else in the world quite like it," he explains, shutting the door and fastening his seatbelt. i do the same.

"honestly, those weeks i stayed over here last year," i say and pause, starting the engine, "i think were the best weeks of my life. i've never felt such... such freedom, i guess is the word for it. i can see how it's become a home for you."

nick nods as i hit the gas, getting us out of the desolate parking lot and onto the equally lonely highway, stretching miles ahead. occasionally a few cars will pass us but other than that we're all alone, only the roaring engine preventing complete silence.