CH 16

Seth sat on a hilltop thinking about the date, July 13^th, he would never forget that date as long as he lived. Thinking back, he remembered so vividly how heavy his chest felt as he held onto his boyfriend as he bled all over him. He remembered feeling hope as he clung to Mark, or was that denial? He watched Gia’s face as tears streamed down it, fear sunk in at that point. He watched as her hand reached out and closed Mark’s eyes, this couldn’t be happening.

My lover's gone
his boots no longer by my door
he left at dawn
and as I slept I felt him go
Returns no more
I will not watch the ocean
My lover's gone
no earthly ships will ever bring him home again
bring him home again

He was so grateful that he had Gia to get him through those hard times. She was such a huge support for him. Even keeping her out of trouble kept his focus off of Mark. After his death, Gia went wild. She had boyfriend after boyfriend, she drank too much, and she drove too fast. She was destructive and she needed him to keep her grounded.

My lover's gone
I know that kiss will be my last
no more his song
the tune upon his lips has passed

She helped him slowly forget the pain he felt over losing Mark. But every year on this day he couldn’t help but think about the friend he lost. He was more then his friend, he was his family, his lover. “I know you’re thinking about me today, I can feel it. You were always so caring. So concerned about other people, you wouldn’t forget about me today. I miss you, every day. You brought so much joy to my life; you were fun and full of energy. You and Gia were so much alike.” Seth sighed, pausing as he wiped the rapidly falling tears from his eyes. “I, I love you Mark but I need to get on with my life. I know that you’re waiting for me in heaven and that I’ll see you again some day. So instead of living a sad and lonely life like I basically am now, I’m going to live happy, for you.” Seth’s last words were that of a whisper. He stood up and looked up into the sky smiling as he found the brightest star, he knew that it was Mark answering his question. He needed to shine.

I sing alone
while I watch the ocean
My lover's gone
no earthly ships will ever bring him home again
bring him home again

Seth walked into the cottage to the lovely sound of Gia’s laughter. He walked up to see her and Nikolas on the couch with a bowel of popcorn watching a funny movie. She turned her head when he came in and smiled sadly at him. She stood up to greet him, her braids were a mess and she was in one of Nik’s shirts. “Hi.” She said softly. “Hi, it looks like you have a good day.” Seth said grinning at her as he tugged on of her braids lightly. “I did.” she replied. “That’s good Gia, you need to be happy today.” Seth said. “Are you ready for bed?” Gia asked. Seth shook his head. “Gia please, remember what I told you today? Be with Nikolas, I’m fine.” Seth pleaded. “OK, you’re sure?” Gia asked. Seth nodded his head and leaned in to kiss her. “I love you Gia.” He said softly. “I love you too Red.” She said touching his cheek before turning around and returning to Nikolas. She smiled and sat next to him, laying her head on his shoulder as they continued to watch their movie.

Seth entered the empty room, turned on the light and searched for the pants he wore the other day, he was sure that they would still be on the floor. He found them and picked them up, he stuck his hand in the pocket and emerged with a piece of paper. He looked at the number on it and quickly moved to the phone, picking it up he dialed. “Hi Paul? This is Seth Forester, do you remember me? You do, great well I was calling to see if you would like to go out with me sometime. You would? Tomorrow night would be great, I’ll be in touch, bye.” Seth hung up the phone with a smile on his face. He grinned all the way to the bed as he got in; at first it felt funny without Gia lying next to him. But his body stretched to places they had never reached in this bed. “I’m going to like this.” He whispered before closing his eyes and slowly falling to sleep.