Page 25 of In the Middle of No(ah)where (Rockport Ridge #2)
(Three Years Later)
Noah
C lasses are finished, and I’m officially done with my associate of Science in Astronomy.
There isn’t much I can do with that degree, but I wanted to learn about something I’m interested in.
Once I got through that first semester, I began to enjoy school.
Marcus continued to ground me before my exams even when I didn’t need it.
Who was I to deny him this ass? Learning about the evolution of the solar system was probably the most fascinating thing I learned, aside from the multitude of galaxies.
Marcus even set up the second bedroom in our house as a game room with a space theme–shelves display my Lego creations, stacks of our favorite books, and a painted solar system mural on one wall.
We spend a lot of time in there as it feels like our own little escape whether I’m in a big headspace or a middle one.
During my time earning my degree, we discovered a balance between work, studying, personal time, and nurturing our relationship.
We found joy in the small things: exploring new restaurants in neighboring towns, cute boutiques, and even a vintage bookshop with a nice selection of fantasy books.
Marcus even discovered a park not far from our house that is perfect for stargazing with the telescope he bought me for our first Christmas together.
These small moments of quiet intimacy and shared experiences became the threads that wove the fabric of our lives together.
Stepping into the kitchen after showering and getting dressed, Marcus treats me with a healthy-ish breakfast.
“There’s my graduate,” he says, leaning in to give me a morning kiss.
“Good morning, Daddy. Something smells wonderful,” I tell him as I step over to the fridge to pull out the orange juice.
“Ready for your big day?” He asks with a grin.
“I think you’re more excited than I am.” I take a sip of the sweet juice from the carton. Marcus clears his throat.
“Noah. Glass.” He points to the cabinet with the spatula in his hand, and I roll my eyes. I give Marcus a kiss on the cheek, and I pull a cup down and pour my juice. “You know I’m the main character today. You didn’t even show up to the auditions,” I quit, letting out a little of my bratty side.
“When were the auditions?” He sasses back, not skipping a beat. My mouth hangs open in shock. Marcus laughs.
Sitting here eating breakfast, I think back to a few years ago when I graduated from high school. How both mornings started with breakfast, but the mood of the day seems lighter now.
The day is bittersweet.
As the graduation ceremony approaches, it marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.
A new chapter filled with endless possibilities.
Future plans no longer feel suffocating like they did years ago.
Instead, my life map is charted and ready for Marcus and me to embark on this new journey together.
Sitting among my classmates, most of whom I don’t know, the words of our valedictorian hit me differently than they did in high school. This time, their words do inspire me, and it’s not just a bunch of monotonous noise.
The sound of cheering from my small group of friends echoes around the auditorium as I step onto the stage to get my diploma. After shaking several hands, I hold my certificate to my chest with a smile.
“Ladies and gentlemen, please help me congratulate this year‘s graduates.” A soft feminine voice calls over the speakers, and the auditorium erupts with applause mixed with screams and quiet sobs. It’s a moment I relish.
Later, at the celebratory dinner, surrounded by friends, the weight of accomplishment settles over me.
It isn’t just the academic achievements that fill me with pride, but the personal growth, the blossom of my relationship with Marcus, and the newfound confidence that allows me to navigate the complexities of my identity and my desires.
I look at Marcus seated across from me. His eyes twinkle with affection, and a wave of gratitude washes over me. He is more than just my boyfriend; he’s my confidant, my anchor, my unwavering support system, and my Daddy.
Our journey will continue, of course. There will be times when it feels like the road ahead is uncharted, filled with both excitement and uncertainty. But with each passing day and with each shared experience, our bond will only grow stronger, and our love will deepen.
This journey, our journey, taught me the importance of self-acceptance.
It taught me that true love isn’t about finding someone who perfectly fits into our preconceived notions but about finding someone who embraces you, flaws and all.
Someone who sees the beauty in our imperfections and who helps to unearth the confidence and strength we didn’t know we possessed.
Our story isn’t unique, not really. Many others have walked similar paths, grappling with similar challenges and experiencing similar joys.
But our story is ours.
It’s a testament to the power of love. It’s a story that reminds us that love is not a fairytale but a messy, beautiful, and profound human experience.
It’s a journey of self-discovery and growth.
Amongst all the ups and downs, perhaps the greatest lesson of all: love, and all its complexities and contradictions, is worth fighting for, worth cherishing, worth celebrating, and in our case, worth waiting for.
When loved the right way, it had the power to heal old wounds so Marcus and I could create a future together, brick by brick, moment by moment, and hand in hand.
A future that is uniquely ours.
The End.