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“Oh, look at you! You’re all grown up!” Joan squealed to the boys as she wiped a stray tear from her cheek. Josh and Tyler had just gotten finished with their graduation ceremony and were now with their mothers. “Come here!” She gasped, bringing her son and his boyfriend in for a tight hug.
“O-Okay, mom. Time to let go.” Josh chuckled, patting her on the back and stepping back with Tyler.
“Yeah, Joan. It’s my turn for hugs.” Jennifer teased and quickly hugged the boys just as tight, if not tighter. Joan and Jennifer couldn’t be any prouder of their kids.
“Alright, alright. Let’s get out of here.” Tyler suggested, grabbing Josh’s hand to hold and walking out the building with their things. They were to meet their parents at the house so they could freshen up and get ready for dinner.
“I’m so glad we’re out of that place for good.” Josh said, tapping his fingers on the steering wheel and glancing at Tyler.
“I am too. Now we’re all adult-like and ‘responsible young leaders of our society'” Tyler said, mocking what Jenna, their valedictorian, said in her speech. Josh just laughed and shook his head.
“You know you loved that speech. I saw you crying from across the way, stupid.” He teased. Tyler shrugged.
“Only because we graduated and a bunch of memories flooded my mind.”
“Memories like what, babe?” Tyler turned and began to think for a moment.
“Like our first date or when we found we both had a class together so you just kind of looked at me until I came over and sat next to you. I kept laughing at that. It was odd.” Tyler laughed.
“Well, yeah. I wasn’t about to just ask you to sit next to me.” Josh smiled. “I’m awkward. I was then anyways.”
“True. You’re still cute though so it’s okay.” Josh smiled widely and kissed Tyler’s hand before turning off the car and getting out so they could walk in together.
When they got inside they saw Jennifer and Joan waiting in the kitchen for them to get home.
“Finally. Hurry up and get dressed; I’m hungry.” Joan, jokingly, complained. The boys nodded and made their way up the stairs so they could get into something a lot more comfortable than the dress clothes they were in.
Tyler still didn’t use the room he was first offered, even after staying there for three years now, so instead he went right to Josh’s room with him. They shared the same bed but used different dressers because Tyler had recently gotten really into shopping.
As they started to get undressed, Tyler stopped and looked at Josh with a hint of worry and anxiousness in his eyes. Josh looked look at him standing there in his underwear and long white button up shirt and immediately stopped as well.
“What’s the matter, Ty?” Josh asked, dropping his pants and walking over to Tyler.
“Nothing. I’m just thinking about college.”
“What about it? You’re not still worried about our schedules are you?” Tyler took up basketball as a sport the previous year and actually had some real talent. Enough talent to make him one of the best players in the school and get a full scholarship to Ohio State. Josh had decided to do online college so he could save up and find a place of their own for them to move into.
“Well, yeah. You’ll be working and I’ll be going to classes then coming here. You’re going to be out all day… I’ll miss you a bunch.” He pouted. Josh gave him a small smile and wrapped him in a hug.
“It’ll be okay, babe. I’ll call you and stuff. It’ll be fine, I swear it.” He stepped back from a now blushing and smiling Tyler. “Let’s finish getting undressed though, alright?” Tyler nodded and started to unbutton his shirt and take it off again, slipping into some light jeans and a black tank top. Josh did the same and they both headed downstairs.
“You boys took like seventeen years. Let’s go, graduates.” Joan winked. Jennifer laughed and walked out with Joan. The two had become closer since Tyler always had her over so they could spend time. They were all close, in fact.
The car ride to the restaurant was sort of silent even though everyone had some form of a smile on their faces while Tyler was deep in thought.
“What are you thinking about?” Josh leaned over and whispered. Joan didn’t trust Josh driving just yet so she drove while Jennifer was in the passenger seat and Tyler and Josh were in the back like a couple of goof-ball kids.
“Nothing, don’t worry.” Tyler said, giving a reassuring smile. Josh accepted it for now but he planned on talking about it later on.
It didn’t take too long for the four to get to the restaurant they’d be eating at. They were there less than twenty minutes later and were already inside.
“Welcome to Carter Catering. Table for four?” A young girl greeted. Joan nodded and the girl led them the way to where they would be eating for the night.
“Here are your menus. I’ll be your hostess tonight and my name is Sam. Could I get you folks anything to drink for right now?” She continued in a very friendly manner. Of course though, she had to in order to get a good tip.
The group gave their drink orders and began looking at the menu for something to eat. All of them being there countless times before allowed them to already know what they want and order quickly so they could just dig in when it got to the table.
“And I’ll have boneless buffalo chicken tenders.” Josh concluded. He was the last to order. Now all they had to do was wait and past time by conversing.
“I’m sure the both of you are excited to be out on your own now, huh?” Jennifer spoke up. The two automatically smiled.
“Hell- heck yes! High school was such a bore.” Josh said happily although he had to stop and correct his language before he carried on. His mom just gave him a “sternly loving” look.
“Oh please. You know it wasn’t just because you met moi.” Tyler teased.
“I mean, yeah. I guess you’re cool and all…” He trailed, rubbing the back of his neck. He was only playing around and Tyler knew it so he crossed his arms and stuck out his bottom lip.
“I’m kidding, cutie, I’m kidding.” They all laughed at the couple. “You’re a very good part of my life.” Josh smiled genuinely to Tyler after the compliment.
“And you are too.” Tyler said back. Jennifer clasped her hands so she could have the attention on her for a second.
“Oh you two are so cute. Not to rain on our parade here but, Tyler, are you ready for college? It’s awesome news you got in on a scholarship.” Jennifer took a sip of her wine. “Awesome for my bank account, too.” She muttered.
“Oh, yeah um, about that. I have something to say.” Tyler cleared his throat and Josh looked at him skeptically. Everyone looked at him skeptically, honestly. What more had to be said? “I’ve decided to not go, actually…”
“Wait, what?” Josh was the first to say anything as the others just sat there in shock.
“I called and told them I wasn’t attending. It’s good for us, isn’t it? Now I can do online with you and still see you.” He smiled.
“Tyler you just gave up good education to see me.” Josh was baffled. Why would he do that? “You had a full ride. You were going to do great things.”
“But I don’t want to go to college for something I don’t like… I want to do things I do like. I want to be with you and be happy instead of doing four more years at a place full of drunk people and a sport I’m not even that into.” By now Tyler’s smile faded and the food had came. He straightened out in his chair and Sam had left.
“Are you sure this is the right decision, dear? I mean, have you thought hard and long about it? College is a big deal.” Joan intervened. She could tell Josh wasn’t too happy with the decision but that was just because he could be hard headed sometimes.
“I’ve been thinking about it for months now and I’ve talked to guidance counselors and college advisers about it. They all support me. I feel like you all should too. Especially you, Josh…”
“Ty, I do support you but I just don’t want you to regret it later down the road when you don’t have the same opportunity. I mean, it kind of sounds like you’re doing it for me. I don’t want to get in the way of your life.”
“You are my life. Don’t think I’m not doing it because I don’t think it’s not a good thing for me. I love you and you make me happy. I want to do what makes me happy and I am. I’ll get a job, we’ll save up together. We’ll do it together.” Tyler convinced Josh. Jennifer sat there grinning at Tyler. He was so grown up and responsible. He was so smart. She was glad he wasn’t out of her life, or else she wouldn’t see how good of person he’s come to be.
“Okay… I love you too.” Josh smiled back. Tyler quickly brought Josh in for a hug. He felt like a giant weight had just been lifted off of his chest and he couldn’t be any more pleased.
“Wow, mom. You were awfully quiet during that whole spiel.” Tyler commented, smiling ear to ear now. As was Joan and Josh.
“It was like a soap opera only we’re not rich and in our mid forties to sixties.” She said, chuckling at her own description. Now she, too, had a smile to match. They all sat there happily enjoying their meal and talking about nothing in particular. By the time they got home everyone of them were tired. Jennifer actually ended up sleeping in the spare room upstairs because Joan didn’t trust her too much to drive.
“Goodnight, boys. I’ll see you in the morning or, yeah.” Joan yawned, too tired to say much else as she walked up the stairs lazily.
“Goodnight, ma.” Josh called out, wrapping his arms around Tyler’s waist.
“That was a bold move you did at dinner tonight, babe.” He sighed, resting his head on top of Tyler’s.
“Yeah, well, I just really want to be with you.” Tyler smiled and looked up at him. Josh tried to smile back but he just ended up closing his eyes and drifting off to sleep.
“Hey, no! Let’s go upstairs if you’re this tired, baby.” Tyler whined. Josh only hummed, slumping against Tyler’s body. He knew Josh wouldn’t want to actually walk upstairs so he led Josh into the living room and plopped him down on the couch to lay.
“Come, please.” Josh mumbled, reaching out for Tyler’s body.
“Yeah, yeah, I’m coming. Goodnight, Joshy.” Tyler sighed, facing Josh and snuggling into his chest as he kissed his hand.
“Night.” Josh said back, taking one final deep breath and falling asleep. Tyler just lied there with a stupid grin on his face as he thought of his future.
Maybe he and Josh would move out into a really nice house. Maybe they would get a pet to look after for fun or maybe they’d even get married and start a family. Each thought had Tyler break out in a fit of silent giggles. He felt on top of the world. He felt true bliss.
“I made a good choice, Josh. I know I did. I just can’t wait to spend life with you.” Tyler whispered. He knew Josh couldn’t hear him but he didn’t care. He was just glad he’d met him and things really went so well. He was glad they’d gotten together.
***
And there’s the epilogue. This is officially over. I just realized the content didn’t match the description or the title of this book but it’s whatever.
I have a new story up called “Driving South” it’s another Joshler if you guys want to check it out. That’d be great, thanks. 🙂
later major skater *
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