I saw Nathan tense up slightly from the corner of my eye as he realized the same thing.
We’re gonna go stand near the front desk to avoid the line. Max announced, breaking the silence as he stood up. I watched as the rest of the guys got the message and stood up too now.
Well, it’s been a pleasure. Landon said to Nathan who too stood up now as Landon came over and held out his hand.
I wish I could say the same. Nathan joked but I could see the sorrow in his eyes.
Suddenly, Landon pulled Nathan into a hug at the last second and cried out dramatically. I’m gonna miss you buddy ! He clung onto my boyfriend as he just stood there, not sure how to respond.
I couldn’t help but grin at my best friend. Even though he was faking the sobs, I knew that he had actually grown fond of Nathan too and would miss him.
Tyler finally had to pull Landon away from him and then stepped forward to him. Thank you, for everything. Tyler said, holding his hand out.
Nathan took it with a small smile and they did that bro-hug thing.
You better come visit us as soon as you get back. Tyler threatened him and I saw how serious he was. I grinned as I realized although my brother acted like a total jerk to Nathan, deep down he really did care.
No doubt I will. Nathan promised and Tyler’s smile widened as they both said goodbye, before Landon and Tyler headed off.
Well, I’ll be visiting you in Europe once I get another break from University. Max said to him as he grabbed Nathan and pulled him close, messing up his hair. I watched in amusement as Nathan tried to swat his hand away, but I could see the love in his eyes for his older sibling. It was one of those few moments where Nathan could step down from the mature role and act like a kid.
You better. Nathan said with honesty, grinning at his older brother.
Max smiled back, before hugging him one last time. See you soon bro. Don’t forget to send me sweet romantic letters too. Max said, then turned to me. I hope you don’t mind sharing him.
I laughed and shook my head. No, I understand. You guys have something unique. I winked at Nathan, who in turn groaned before shoving a laughing Max away.
Next, Jordan came up to him. Have fun in Europe. I still don’t get why you won’t take me with you. Jordan gave Nathan a slight pout and I laughed.
Because, you still have two more years of high-school left. Nathan reminded sternly, before grinning and pulling him in for a hug. But I’ll be back sooner than you know, don’t worry. Nathan promised him.
Jordan seemed happy with that and nodded, before pulling away and stepping to the side, letting Dustin say goodbye.
I almost cried myself when I saw the teary eyed look in the eight year old’s eyes.
Nathan squatted down to his level, before pulling him close to him. Don’t cry tough guy. I’ll be seeing you soon. I just need a nice vacation. Nathan said soothingly, looking down at his younger brother with so much adoration and care.
But I don’t want you to go. Dustin admitted, struggling to hold back his tears.
I have to go. I need you to be strong. Plus, you’ll be with Max and Jordan. You’re going to have so much fun with them. And then by the time you’ll start to miss me, I’ll already be back ! Nathan promised him with a large smile, trying to lighten the kid’s mood.
Dustin took in his words, before slowly nodding his head. Okay. But you have to bring me back some nice toys. Dustin said, looking so serious I had to hold back a chuckle.
Of course. I’ll bring the best toys in Europe and maybe even some chocolate. Nathan grinned at Dustin, who in turn got excited.
Okay ! See you soon then ! Dustin grinned at his older brother, who pulled him into one last hug.
I grinned at Dustin, admiring how he said ‘see you soon’ instead of goodbye. It even made me less sad, his words a reassurance.
Then it was my turn. Dustin and Jordan walked off, leaving just the two of us. I felt tears start to well up but I refused to let them show, forcing them back down.
This isn’t goodbye. He’ll be back soon.
I listened to the voice in my head and managed a small smile at Nathan, who now stood to his full height and stepped closer to me.
I closed the gap as I took another step forward, before pulling him into a hug, wrapping my arms around him tightly, but not too tight as I didn’t want to hurt his ribs. I buried by head in the crook of his neck and his arms automatically went up around me, pulling me closer, if that was even possible.
I took in his Abercrombie fierce scent and relaxed. Oh how I’d miss that smell.
We held onto each other for what seemed like hours but was sadly only a few minutes. Neither of us wanted to let go, because we knew as soon as we stepped away from each other, we would not be able to hold onto each other like this again for some time.
This isn’t goodbye. Nathan’s soft voice in my ear cut off my thoughts. It’s as if he was thinking the same things and had to remind us both that he wasn’t leaving forever. Although it sure did feel like it.
This isn’t goodbye. I repeated his words with stronger conviction, pulling back slightly to look up at his handsome face.
I’ll be back before you know it. You’ll get to finish your school, and I’ll be in the clear. Then we can go anywhere in the world and do anything you want. I promise. Nathan said, his eyes gazing into mine with so much intensity it made my stomach flip.
I smiled up at him and reached out to touch his cheek.
I have something for you. Nathan said, stepping back and reaching into his back pocket.
I watched as he pulled out a long, rectangular box. He pulled the lid open and turned it around so I could see. I couldn’t help but gasp as my eyes fell onto a beautiful necklace with a delicate gold chain and a small circular locket on it.
Nathan, it’s beautiful. I managed to breath out.
Here, I’ll put it on you. Nathan said, before going behind me and gently moving my hair to one side.
I watched as his arms went around me and the beautiful necklace fell on my chest, causing me to slightly shiver at the cold metal. Then I realized how much of a fortune this must have cost.
Nathan you didn’t have to spend so much on me. I said, turning around to face him now.
Skylar, I would be willing to spend every last penny I’ve ever earned on you. I’ve been poor and homeless before and I’d do it all again just for you. Nathan spoke, his vibrant eyes emitting pure love and honesty.
I felt my heart flutter at his words and I couldn’t stop a small tear from escaping.
No, please don’t cry. Nathan said with a pained expression, before stepping closer and wiping away that tear before it could roll all the way down my cheek.
It’s kind of hard not to. You’re making it really hard not to. I said, my voice coming out shaky as I sniffled.
I know, I already feel like a jerk leaving you and you’re killing me right now. Nathan said, moving his arms around me once again.