Page 41 of The Boy Next Door

School is over for the winter holidays. And almost halfway finished. Seniors are receiving acceptance letters, making decisions, and preparing for the future. The end of high school isn't far away, yet in all the anticipation and planning, the wait seems endless.

Maybe this time acts as a transitional phase. Space to appreciate our current lives and say goodbye to those we love. One last moment to appreciate what we have before it becomes what we had.

Dylan and I do just that one day in late December.

"Are you really choosing Steadman?" I ask as we share our college plans.

"Thinking about it," he says. "Might make sense with my internship and I could come back home and really begin to learn the ropes from dad if I wanna take over his business... but UCLA is really tempting too."

Either mentioning a school in California or the prospect of the future make me feel warmer. For a single second.

Even in winter jackets, with cool air nipping at our cheeks, it's freezing. Neither Dylan nor I comment since sitting out here together just feels right . The pond is still empty, and the fish were transported to somewhere they'll be happier for the winter.

"Aside from the future, what about right now?" I wonder and find myself continuing. "What about romance?"

"Is it weird for us to talk about dating?" His eyes widen comically. "Um, other people!"

"It's interesting," I decide. "A new experience."

"No," he laughs, "I've definitely told you about my love life before."

The cold bench starts freezing my butt, yet I stay put, admitting, "I used to always mentally plug my ears and say, 'lalala, I can't hear you.'"

Dylan's smile is as sweet now as it was 10 years ago. The woolly hat with two fluffy poms hanging down on strings completes his boyish appearance.

"Sorry I never noticed or never wanted to notice your crush," he apologizes.

"Sorry I never told you." Standing, I jump in place, hoping my numb butt recovers soon. I focus on Dylan. "You were a great first crush, but I think you'll be an even better friend."

"Me too." He stands with me, excitement obvious. "Now about this plan of yours..."

The terrible weather spurs me on. The sooner we coordinate, the sooner we can head inside. Walking away from Hunter seems impossible, but if he won't give me another chance, I'll have to deal with reality.

However, I'm going to give it one more shot. He deserves that much, and we do too. I have an idea. Dylan isn't assisting me too much, just making this a little easier to pull off. Logistically, at least.

Because the rest? I get the feeling that convincing Hunter will take a miracle.

~

The first snowfall of the year arrives late. Driving through the streets dusted with white flakes, the car ahead breaks suddenly as the light changes from green to yellow. The Nissan sedan creeps forward when the light changes again, as if the driver has totally forgotten how to drive through snow.

We'll probably receive a few inches of snow by morning. Between the slush and cautious drivers, perhaps I should head home.

Yet I keep driving. On a mission.

What I learned this year is that bravery, boldness, and courage aren't single servings. They’re things you keep working on. And no rule dictates that bold action requires no fear. It's about acting despite fear.

My fear has always seemed stronger than my will, but that's why trying new things and branching out is so important. Because once you spread your wings, you can fly.

~

Hunter whistles a tune, flipping on his bedroom light and dropping his keys when he spots me perched on the edge of his bed.

He watches me a bit like I'm a dangerous wild animal, but his voice sounds cool. "The time when I'm thrilled to find you waiting for me in my room is gone."

"I had to see you before you left."

"You’re early. I'm not even going to be ready to leave for another few weeks."

How was I supposed to know that? After he thanked me, he started avoiding me even harder. Hopefully it’s not wishful thinking to assume he isn't as furious anymore and his resolve is wavering.

He hasn't even started packing yet. A few empty boxes sit in the space where his drums should be, but the room otherwise appears the same. Even the pink dog still sits on his nightstand. The inanimate animal represents proof Hunter's softer side exists, giving me courage.

"Look, isn't it better if we move on?" Hunter wonders, leaning against the door, unwilling to step inside further while I'm here. "Go our separate ways?"

"...Is that really what you want?" I hold my breath while waiting for the answer.

"Sam. Come on."

His answer? Tells me absolutely nothing. He seems pained, though I can't tell if it's because of my presence or because he's denying himself what he wants.

Screw it. Now or never, and I'm excited to choose now.

"This isn't much," I say, jumping up and crossing the distance before he can react and pressing the gift into his hands. "But I hope it's a start when proving how much you mean to me."

He blinks, flipping the brass cymbal over, expecting a trick. "A crash cymbal?"

"You don't already have one, do you?"

"No, most sets come with—uh, thanks?"

He doesn't sound particularly judgmental, only confused, yet I feel the need to explain.

"See, I wanted to get you a whole drum set, but the money I saved from tutoring doesn’t cover that."

Crowding Hunter against the door provides me with no upper hand. His features twist in anger, causing me to back away.

"You bought me a present, so what? You think that fixes everything?"

"I tried words, now I'm trying a gesture." Stepping right back into his space, I'm not afraid. I mean this wholeheartedly. "I'll try anything."

"Really, what else you got?" Does he sound challenging?

"Well... one thing."

"Oh yeah?" he gestures, go on then . "Don't hold back."

Definitely a challenge.

Hunter initiates kisses usually. Or both our bodies override all thought and demand our lips become reacquainted. I don't usually wrap an arm around his waist and pull him closer. My blood sings in my ears, heart racing, I've never felt exhilaration like this.

Then our mouths meet, and oh.

Hunter's lips, the light stubble on his cheek, how his mouth simply opens and lets me in, none of this is new. Yet my knees still buckle, threatening to collapse. It's been too long, so this almost feels like a first kiss too.

Carding a hand through his hair, I deepen the kiss, praying it isn't our last. In fact, I hope I never go this long without his lips again.

When the pressing need for oxygen can no longer be ignored, our mouths separate.

Hunter pulls back, but not away, a distinction that sends my heart soaring with hope, and while I pray it won't crash down a second later, the hope is too beautiful to dial back. I'm in Hunter's arms, his dark blue eyes searching mine, and anything feels possible.

"I'm still moving," he points out cautiously.

"Me too. I got into Avant School of the Arts in NYC." Despite the envelope's freaking small size. The acceptance took up two lines, including the link to the information online. The school is a green campus, eager to save paper.

"Okay, you got in. That doesn't mean—"

"I'm going there," I state, frowning as I feel him tense and pull away.

Hunter runs a hand through his hair, looking at me with longing, and at least he seems conflicted as he puts distance between us. "Sam, a lot of things are changing. Maybe we shouldn't decide this now. Let's think this through."

"Oh, okay. Sure."

Well... at least he didn't immediately reject me? Or laugh in my face? That’s some progress right there. And he isn’t exactly wrong, lots of changes are right around the corner. Graduation, moving to New York, starting school.

However, I know that my heart won’t change in a few weeks or months. Whatever the future holds, I want to find out with him. The next chapter of my life should include Hunter.

But I did the grand gesture. I said what I had to say. Now I just have to wait, let him think, and hope for the best. My feet drag as I exit. Halfway out the door—

"Hey, Sam," Hunter says. “I’ve thought about it.”

Here goes nothing. I turn around...

His lips find mine again. I feel him smile against my mouth. It’s the best answer I’ve ever received.