Chapter 4

Nathaniel Beaumont had numerous life experiences, but this was new to him. It was an experience unlike any he had ever known. His last-minute stop at the store led him to an encounter that Nathaniel never knew would be life-changing. Upon entering, he immediately spotted the stranger rummaging through his pockets. Nathaniel wanted to ignore the sight, but his consciousness wouldn't let him. His kindness led to his hands being taken hold of and witnessing what he could only describe as the sweetest smile upon offering help. The stranger's sudden comparison of their hands even though there wasn't much of a size difference, their willingness to repay him despite his refusal, their display of happiness after receiving ice cream, and their unwillingness to share, the intertwining of hands and a silly promise, all under the noticeable influence of alcohol, Nathaniel didn't hate it. It was a new and pleasant experience that made him forget what he came to buy.

That night, he apologized to his pouting cousin, who was eagerly waiting on her milk chocolate bars. The event ran through his mind ever so often as it was hard to forget. Giving the stranger his number, Nathaniel didn't expect a call. If it were him, he'd be too embarrassed recalling the incident after sobering up. An unknown number lit the screen of his phone, and at the very end, the stranger Nathaniel had met. The stranger's soft and playful tone was gone now, with a subtle huskiness as he spoke. Nathaniel was about to have lunch and invited Kanan to join him. A fact he kept to himself.

Nathaniel didn't desire compensation for the ice cream, but if Kanan insisted, he thought he might as well make the most of it. Nathaniel was unexpectedly in a good mood that day, something he cherished as his days have been a series of ups and downs lately. Leaving the store he gracefully attended to, leaving his jacket behind, a trail of herbs, spices, and citrus followed him. It was then that things started to go downhill. A single phone call ruined his day.

Sitting in Royal Brew Cafe, he answered the call. "What do you want?"

"You think I'm calling your phone because I want to?" His older brother said. "Mom's been nagging everyone about how you're not attending the party."

"I'm not going, and that's final."

Annoyed, his brother replied, "I'm sure you have something better to do with your miserable existence. It's better for everyone if you don't show up. I see you have a last shred of conscience for this family since you decided not to come. I don't know why Mom insists on having you there."

Nathaniel clenched his fist. The steam from his coffee depicts his rise in anger. "I swear to-"

"You swear what?" His brother cut him off. "For mom's sake, just-"

Nathaniel ended the call, leaving his brother to spew insults into a deadline. He didn't need to listen to that crap. Nathaniel was down a rabbit hole after, thoughts racing while gazing out the cafe window. His eyes were blank as he looked. Time passed unnoticed until his phone rang, something he came to hate. It was Kanan. Nathaniel wanted to calm himself and recapture the positive vibe he'd felt earlier. At the entrance, he noticed the tall figure. His caramel-toned skin provided a rich canvas for his features, a confident face with dark brown eyes. His naturally coiled black hair and toned physique, while his clothing effortlessly complimented him. It was indeed the man he met that night and waved him over.

Despite his efforts, Nathaniel could not hide his emotions. He felt remorseful for having to put Kanan in an uncomfortable position. As lunch, intended as a gesture of repayment-unfolded, Nathaniel thought about his mother and her relentless stance on his attendance, and that was when he decided to have Kanan accompany him, seeking the comfort of having someone outside of his family by his side. Kanan was someone who carried a genuine warmth and infectious energy. Every word he spoke seemed to hold a positive charge to Nathaniel, which made him smile and flush cheeks. As life would have him devoid of joy, his brother was calling again. Nathaniel ignored him, his last resort to turn his phone off when his cousin called him. As Nathaniel hurriedly left, he wanted to keep that positive energy that he got from Kanan.

Several days had passed since then, and Nathaniel had to face the same issue he wanted to avoid, which resulted in his delay in contacting Kanan. He was seated on the couch in his living room. "Thank you so much for doing this. I'll see you in ten minutes." He ended the phone call.

"Are you seriously doing this?" His cousin Emily asked him. She sat at the dining table in her newly bought pastel-colored knitted sweater and denim shorts. Her long chestnut brown hair was in a loose ponytail. She crossed her leg under the other, waiting for his answer.

"I wish I didn't have to, but I already invited him." He sighed, looking over the couch at her.

"I'm going to sound rude, but I'll say it anyway, just uninvited him. From what you told me, he seems nice enough to reschedule, and honestly, it's for his good and yours."

Nathaniel understood where Emily was coming from. It was a place of worry and understanding of what had happened in the past. He impulsively extended an invitation to Kanan. It was only after that he began contemplating the potential consequences of inviting Kanan on an impulse. He knew but couldn't help but say, "I know, but I could use his company while I'm there. It's not like we'll see each other after."

"You got me," Emily pointed excitedly at herself.

"Emily," She held her head down at his tone, dejected. "With your father-"

"That man is not my father," Her expression twisted into disgust. "I know! That doesn't mean I won't stick to you like glue at the party."

Nathaniel chuckled. "Shouldn't you be going home now?"

"Are you getting rid of me because you're inviting someone over?" Eyes widened, mouth agape, and hands clutching her chest, she exhibited an overdramatic, shocked expression, not letting the earlier conversation dampen her mood.

"Yes, I am. I'm calling Kanan, and I don't want you here while I'm talking to him or when he comes over."

"I'll leave after the phone call," She pleaded with puppy dog eyes, which Nathaniel gave in to.

Nathaniel phoned Kanan. The phone rang twice before he picked up. "Hey," Nathaniel greeted him, which Kanan returned. "Are you still up for that birthday party?" Despite needing the company, a part of Nathaniel wanted Kanan to say no to ease that uncomfortable feeling in the pit of his stomach.

"I assumed it got canceled," Kanan replied. "I'm still up for it. I did promise you."

Nathaniel chuckled. They didn't make a promise, but he still found the thought evoking a sense of joy. As if sensing the change in her cousin, Emily eagerly placed herself on the couch beside Nathaniel, mouthing for him to put the phone on speaker. He allowed her to stay for the phone call but not to put it on speaker. He didn't want to.

"It's been a busy last few days." He informed Kanan. "I've been wanting to get back to you."

"I 100% did not think you were ignoring me." Kanan joked. "How have you been?"

"Better,"

"That's good. Just remember that your smile is too good to hide." Nathaniel sensed this during his visit to Royal Brew Café. If he didn't know any better, he believed Kanan might be flirting with him. Recognizing it wasn't fair to assume, he acknowledged that open-minded and friendly individuals like Kanan- his actions could be easily misinterpreted. Nonetheless, Nathaniel didn't find it uncomfortable.

"I'll be sure to remember that," Emily pressed her ears against Nathaniel's phone in hopes of hearing their conversation. He moved over, and she followed suit. "Are you busy today?"

"Nothing on my schedule except some exercise, which I just completed."

Nathaniel's doorbell chimed, and his long-awaited items finally arrived. He gestured to Emily to bring them inside, and she promptly went to open the door. "I'd like to invite you over to discuss the party." Silence followed. "I feel like I'm making another unreasonable requests. I understand if you refuse. It's not like we're closer than strangers."

"I mean... I'll come. " Nathaniel could tell he was reluctant.

"I'll come pick you up. How about we meet at the place where we first met?"

"Sure, since I live nearby. I will call you when I'm ready." With some casual goodbyes, the phone call ended.

The ordered suits were neatly arranged and packaged on his couch. He expressed gratitude to the owner of Elegant Tailors & Suits, a small suite store he spotted on his way to work one morning that he failed to notice before, for personally making the delivery and completing his order on such short notice. It had become his new spot for adding to his line of pre-owned suits.

"By the look on your face during the conversation," Emily spoke after the store owner left. "I'm guessing it went well,"

"He's like a breath of fresh air," Nathaniel said. "And I never know what to expect when talking to him."

"I like this for you." Emily expressed. "I haven't seen you like this in a while. When you're with me, there's a noticeable difference-you smile, but it's like a part of you is missing. While on the phone, it was like looking at a different version of you."

Nathaniel knew he hadn't been himself since the incident; he couldn't even if he wanted to. Having followed the flow created by Kanan, he had been unconsciously showing another side of himself. Nathaniel understood Emily's concern for him. They were closer than he was with any of his siblings. The bond they shared, though subtly changed at one point, was strong. They had a solid connection despite the age gap and could handle whatever came their way. It wasn't easy after what had happened. Nathaniel, angry and distraught, couldn't bring himself to utter a word to Emily. He would always be grateful, understanding, and patient with her. They were both hurting, and Nathaniel felt reassured, knowing that their relationship had a lasting strength that could tackle whatever life threw at them.

"I like seeing you being cheerful too." Nathaniel expressed.

Emily smiled. "Are these for..."

"Kanan, and for myself as well."

Emily carefully unzipped the garment bags. With a curious yet gentle touch, she took a peek at each suit, appreciating the tailored details. "Want to make a bet?" She proposed, taking her place beside Nathaniel.

"It depends."

"Out of these five suits, I'm going to guess which one Kanan picks if he picks one." She said.

"What happens if you win?"

Excited, she said, "You'll do anything I ask."

"And if I win? Will you do anything I ask?" Nathaniel questioned.

"Yes,"

"There's not much I want, so I'll have to think about it."

"Bets on?" Emily extended her hand, which Nathaniel took, a firm yet friendly clasp sealing their agreement. "Ok, Nathan, I choose this one."

"And I'll go with that one," They both made their choices, Emily hoping she would win.

"I'll get going now," Emily took her phone from the dining table. "I'll see you at the event neither of us is particularly eager about attending. I don't know why she didn't just go on a dinner date instead of having all family members gather to celebrate. We can barely form the F for family because of how dysfunctional we are."

Nathaniel understood her frustration as she left. He was already dreading the upcoming days.