~Nolan~
How exactly do people fall in love? When does it change? When does the switch flip from having feelings for someone, to wanting to spend the rest of your life with them? Does it happen gradually? In an instant? Or is it the little things, like the way they smile at you, hold you, or how you feel when they're around you? I want it, I want it bad... but I know it's not something you choose, or can force. 7 billion people in the world, I just know the one person I'm waiting for is out there somewhere...
"Nolan...Nolaaan? Come back to Earth, my dude."
"Wait, what?" I peered up from my drawing tablet for maybe the first time all morning at my best friend, Griffin, who looked like he had been talking to me the whole time. Oops.
"You didn't hear a thing I said, did you?" Griffin frowned.
I rubbed the back of my neck nervously.
"Heh... no. I'm sorry, I kinda...zoned out. What were you saying?"
"A beach trip," Griffin smiled, "a week on the coast at a nice hotel, all curtesy of moi."
"What's the catch?" I raised an eyebrow.
"There's a girl, Claire, we're kinda... talking. She's coming too. Only problem is her sister wouldn't be cool with her coming alone with me, so..."
"So you need me to come too. Oooh, I got you, bud! As long as I get to hop back on a surf board again," I slumped back into my seat, a content smile blooming on my face.
"Thanks, man, and don't worry, she's bringing a friend with her too, so you won't be the odd one out." Griffin reassured him.
I scoffed, "I was the only kid in high school outed as bisexual, I'm always the odd one out."
~Reid~
"I'd rather not."
"What? Why?!" Claire exclaimed.
"The beach means sand in my shoes, sunburn, and over priced hotel rooms," I deadpanned, my patience wearing thin.
"One: what kind of sociopath wears shoes to the beach? Two: sunscreen, and three: the rooms are already paid for." Claire crossed her arms with a slight grin, obviously feeling accomplished.
"What? How?" I asked.
"Let's just say the guy we'll be meeting there is, like, crazy rich..."
"Wait, so I'd have to third wheel too!?" I threw my head back in protest.
"No, no, no, I'd never do that to you, Reid, you know that. He's gonna be bringing one of his friends with him to tag along. So there'll be 4 of us, no third wheels!"
I couldn't hold back the slight smile I felt coming after seeing Claire so excited. She's done more for me than she'll probably ever know... I was still hesitant on going, though.
Claire nudged my shoulder, "plus... maybe his friend is a really cute boy?" she teased.
"Oh, well shit! That changes everything!" I nudged her back, lighthearted sarcasm in my voice. Claire giggled.
"So, will you come?" She pleaded once more.
I rolled my eyes, thinking.
"Yeah, I'll come, but only because I love you," I smiled.
"YES!" Claire squealed. "You'll actually be leaving your room for a change, should I alert the media?"
"I can see it now," I held my hands up, using my fingers as a pretend camera. "'Homeschooled gay teen boy leaves room for the first time since birth.'"