Andrew’s voice took on a more serious tone.“My parents made all my decisions for me unless I proved myself capable in their eyes of making my own decisions.” He ran a hand through his hair. “I almost never got to make my own decisions because they didn’t trust that I knew what was best for me. I left in the end. That’s how I ended up living with Lucca and his family. I’m a lot freer now.”

Soren gave Andrew a look of pure compassion. “It sucks to have controlling parents. I’m lucky to have parents that are so chill.”

Andrew put his hand on Soren’s shoulder. “Hold on to what you have, Soren. You have a kind heart. You have as much right to happiness as I do.”

Andrew and Soren watched the sunset together until the sky began to get dim.

Soren turned to look at Andrew once more.“I should probably get back home.”

Andrew nodded, leading them to the back door. “I’ll walk you home.” Andrew says. His eyes softened.“Thanks for listening to my life story. I really appreciate it.”

“You had to let it out at some point,” Soren said with a reassuring grin. “I’ll let you tell the others on your own time.”

Andrew and Soren re-entered the house and headed to the living room. 

Lucca looked up as they walked in. “Heading home?”

“Yeah,” Soren stated. “Andy’s going to walk me home.”

“Sounds good, I’ll walk you to the door,” Lucca said to Soren. To Andrew, he said “I’ll see you in a bit. Get back before it gets too dark if you can help it.”

Andrew and Soren each hugged Lucca before going out the door. Lucca shut the door behind them.

“I think Ella and Ailish are in love but don’t know it yet,” Andrew whispered.

Soren gave him the look of a co-conspirator. “Do you think we should intervene?” “No,” Andrew countered. “That’s not how love works. We must let them figure it out on their own. It’ll happen all in good time. Trust me.”

I know all about it, don’t I? I’ve kept my love for you a secret all these years!

“It’ll probably take forever though,” Soren muttered, “but it’ll be worth the wait.

Andrew smiled to himself. One day he will tell Soren how he feels but now he will let himself keep them company as he walks them home.

Soren reached out and touched his hand. Andrew let his face reveal nothing and laced his fingers with theirs. Through the corner of his eye, he can see a blush creeping up Soren’s face. He stifled a smile as they approached Soren’s house.

They reached the front steps and Soren opened the door to the house.“Good night, Andy.”

Andrew let go of Soren’s hand. “You too, Sor.”

He watched as Soren tiptoed into the house and closed the door behind them. When he got home, Lucca stood by the door. 

Lucca took one look at Andrew’s face and said “You love them don’t you? You love Soren.”

Andrew nodded, his face turning crimson. “They don’t know it yet.”

“You’ll have to tell them sometime,” Lucca prodded.

“I will one day.” Andrew’s face took on a panicked look. “But what if they don’t feel the same?”

“Soren really cares about you,” Lucca reassured him. “It’s highly unlikely that they’d outright reject you. I’ve seen the way they look at you.”

Andrew stared at him. “How do they look at me?”

Lucca smiled. “Like they see all of you.”

Andrew groaned. “Now I feel exposed.”

Lucca gave him a playful shove. “It goes with being in love.”

Andrew and Lucca entered the house and Andrew went into his bedroom. He changed into his pajamas as fast as he could, brushed his teeth and flopped onto his bed, pulling the covers over him.

As he drifted off to sleep, an image of Soren’s smiling face flashed through his mind, turning his insides to mush.