Anticipation
It's a week to my pretty boy's graduation and two weeks until his 18th birthday. I don't even know what I'm more excited about: seeing him officially come of age, or having him finally come to live with me. Maybe it's both, really—there's no separating one from the other. The thought of him being here, sharing my space, sleeping in my arms again… it's all I've been able to think about. I've missed him so much it physically hurts sometimes.
I sat across from Jason during lunch at the office, nervously twirling the pen in my hand. The words were caught in my throat, but I finally managed to say it. "Hey, Jase, I've been thinking about getting my own place. Someone's coming to live with me."
Jason raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "Someone? Let me guess… it's the boy in the photo on your desk and nightstand?"
I nodded slowly, my heart thudding in my chest. Jason had been my rock through so many milestones, but this conversation felt heavier, more personal.
He leaned back in his chair, studying me. "So… are you finally ready to talk about him?"
"Yes," I said, exhaling deeply. "I think I am."
And then I told him everything—about Preston, about us, and about how I've felt all these years. Jason listened quietly, nodding every now and then, never interrupting. When I finally stopped, my hands were shaking, and my chest felt both lighter and heavier at the same time.
Jason rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "You know, I've always felt there was more to the story. The way you hold on to that picture, the way you smile at it one moment and then look like you're about to cry the next—I could tell this wasn't just some ordinary bond."
I smiled faintly. "He's my angel. My pretty boy with those big blue eyes. He's everything to me, Jase."
Jason smirked, but his tone was kind. "He's a lucky kid to have someone who loves him that much. And let me just say, you've got good taste. That boy of yours is stunning."
I chuckled, a bit of color rising to my cheeks. "Yeah… he is."
Then my smile faltered. "But what if he doesn't feel the same way? What if he just sees me as a brother or… or worse, what if he thinks I'm a monster for feeling this way about him?"
Jason leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. "Never say never, Caleb. Love takes time, and sometimes it's about building it brick by brick. You've waited this long, right? You've been patient. You've let him grow. Why stop now?"
I nodded, his words settling over me like a balm. "You're right. I've waited this long. I can wait longer if that's what it takes."
Jason grinned. "That's the spirit. Besides, once he's living with you, you'll know soon enough. Just don't let fear stop you from being honest. And, Caleb… don't forget to take it slow. He's young, and this is new territory for both of you."
"I won't rush him," I said firmly. "I just want him to be happy. That's all that matters to me."
Jason clapped me on the shoulder. "You've got this, man. And if he's anything like what you've described, I think he feels the same way. Maybe he's just waiting for the right moment to tell you."
I smiled, hope blossoming in my chest. Two weeks. In two weeks, my world will change again.