The Recital of Terrance Reed

Chapter Sixteen

I placed a hand over my chest while staring at the beauty of the gold ring they bequeathed me with. It was several months had passed. Everything had changed for the better.

Kyle and I moved in with each other into a beautiful apartment in upper downtown Vancouver. Sandy had given Kyle a cool job downtown as a bartender since she knew the guy who worked there. He worked there full-time, and they instantly promoted him to assistant manager for fantastic work. I went to school for art since Kyle begged me to make my art pieces my career, which I obliged. But my side job was working at a restaurant. Easy money, total time on weekdays, school time on weekends, it was a full schedule. But it was a great way to keep me busy.

Kyle and I needed some time to feel our love for each other. Since everything we had gone through was traumatic for us. And we had trouble coming to terms with many of our problems.

For the first few months, we had trust and understanding issues. At first, Kyle was unsure whether what he had said about marrying me and becoming an instant boyfriend was in the moment or genuine. Ultimately, I am upset and dislike that he even asks that question. We constantly fought over the idea that we were too young or dumb to marry each other at a young age. We had no money, time, or even the clearest acceptance from anyone to be married. It eventually broke us up for a week. The worst week in the longest time ever. But since we couldn't keep each other from fucking each other. We made up and got back together.

• • •

As well, Alec had returned from the dead. He had shown me to my father's doorstep, while luckily I was there, however, I was there helping him move out to his newer and smaller house, only the perfect size for him and Lina.

"Alec?" I gasped, nearly dropping the box full of plates out of my hands.

Alec looked like he had aged drastically. I barely recognized him. His beefy, youthful look had entirely disappeared. He grew a belly and a long, scruffier beard. He still looked good-looking for his age. His frame and aura were like he had put on his aging comfort and went with it. I gulped when I was caught checking him out.

Alec looked down and chuckled. He grabbed his belly and patted it. "Haha, yeah, I may put on a few pounds when I was in the UK."

I laughed.

"So, you're moving away?" He asked. He peered behind me, analyzing the emptiness of the house.

I nodded.

"Well, that's unfortunate," Alec sighed. He placed his hand behind his head. "I was hoping to take you out!"

"Oh, Alec!" I blushed. I put down the box on a wobbly table next to me. I went up to him and hugged him. He instantly squeezed me. "If I were still single, I would go!"

He let go of me. He furrowed his eyebrows at me and tilted his head. "You're not single?"

I saw Kyle approaching the house with a small box that said plates in black Sharpie. I waved at him, and Alec turned around.

"Alec?" Kyle said, puzzled.

"Haha, well, if it isn't Kyle!" Alec shouted.

Kyle and he went in for a hug, and they smiled at each other. Alec had looked down at my hand and looked down at Kyle's. He had a moment to think about it. Then he gasped.

"Oh," Alec muttered. "Oh!"

I raised my hand. "Yeah, we are engaged."

"I'm sorry, Terrance. I mean, I am happy for you two, but I assumed--"

I quickly interrupted him. "Don't worry, Alec. I am flattered that you even came back. Frankly, I thought you were an asshole for the longest time. Why did you come back?"