Gabriel
''So she called you? What did she have to say?'' Kyle asked me as we walked through the mall. I shrugged my shoulders, looking over to him with a soft smile on my lips.
''She apologized. Can you believe that shit?'' I told him. His jaw dropped dramatically as he placed a hand over his heart, gazing over at me with a look of disbelief in his eyes. I shook my head at the gesture, crossing my arms across my chest as I broke my gaze away from him.
Kyle and I were at a mall in Vegas. Kyle told me that he wanted to buy something for Caleb- and apparently, I was the only one who could help him out. I obviously didn't mind, it was cute that he was taking this much of an effort for their two months.
''Yeah. Luke and I are gonna visit her when we get back next week. She's really changed a lot-''
''You better not get your ass hurt again. I don't care if yall aren't fuckin' anymore, she can still hurt you as a friend-''
''Trust me. She's not like that anymore. I'm not dumb.''
I would have told him what she's going through, but... that's not my story to tell. I bet it was hard enough for her to tell me herself.
We walked into spencers, Kyle's eyes immediately lighting up at the sight of the weed merch on the wall. He pointed to it, bringing my attention to it.
''Do you think Caleb would like that?''
''I think YOU like it.''
He crossed his arms across his chest as the words left my mouth, the both of us walking deeper into the spencers. He took a deep breath, his pale skin growing a blush before speaking.
''Well, what do you think I should get him? I don't want to get him a goddamn mug or something! I wanna get him somethin' that will blow him away! Something that will make him so happy he will cry!-''
''I don't think you're gonna have luck finding something here.''
''You'd be surprised, bro.''
I've known Caleb for a while. I actually knew him from way before he started to transition when we were younger teenagers. I was the first person he came to when he needed help with it.
He wasn't scared over the fact his parents might not support him. He knew that his parents would accept him no matter what- and I knew that too. He was already out as bisexual at the time with a girlfriend. It wasn't a fake, uncomfortable kind of support too like a lot of parents do. They would encourage him to bring his girlfriend over and invite her on family vacations. His mother was bisexual herself.
He was scared that maybe he wasn't actually transgender. It's normal for a lot of transgender people to feel like that. Maybe they should just stay the gender they were born with and call it a day- which isn't what they should do.
Through a lot of talking and time... he finally came out. I was never more proud of him in my life. He continues to amaze me with how strong he is.
''Why don't you get him a few shirts and a dildo or some shit? It's not like it's a year anniversary. Just keep it on the low.''
''Alright, bro.''
I wasn't serious about the dildo.
He got the dildo.
We walked around the mall some more, Kyle constantly encouraging me to buy Luke something. Even though I really wanted to buy Luke something... I knew he would go absolutely ballistic if I bought him one more thing. I have a habit of constantly spoiling him with random shit, even though he doesn't need it.
...Although, there was one thing I wanted to get him. Something I haven't talked to anyone about yet.
I wanted to buy Luke a promise ring. I've been thinking about it for a while, even though we haven't been dating for a year yet. I just...
I have a feeling he's the one. I just know that he's the one for me and I want to show him how dedicated I am to him.
He deserves to know how much I love him. How in love with him I am.
...That's absolutely crazy. It's crazy how he came into my life and changed everything, considering how different he is from me. Considering everything that he went through and what I went through. Any other couple like us... I don't know if they would have made it.
But somehow, we did it.
''I want to get a promise ring for Luke.''
Kyle stopped in his tracks, the biggest, most goofy smile on his face was present. I couldn't help but smile back at him as he threw an arm around my shoulder, beginning to walk me over to the Kay Jewelers that was near us.
''You really think he's the one, Gabe? I know it's just a promise ring, but... that's basically a mini engagement, bro! Oh my god, I'm so happy!-''
''Don't be weird about it. Want to help me pick one out?''
''FUCK yeah! What kind of question is that?''
The lady at the front counter greeted us with a big smile. She was a shorter girl with curly hair to her shoulders, a pair of brown glasses resting on her face. She wore a white button-down and black pants with brown boots.
''Hi, I'm Eden! What can I help you guys out with today?'' She asked with a smile. I suddenly felt anxious at the question- the realization dawning at me. I have to ASK Luke if he will accept the promise ring, it's not just something I'm making him take! It's basically him promising himself that we will get married one day, oh god-
''Gabe here wants to get a promise ring for his boyfriend. No, it isn't me.''
''Aw, how cute! Come follow me, our section of promise rings are over here.'' She said to me, motioning for me to follow her to the left side of the store. I basically dragged my feet as I followed her, Kyle placing a hand on my back as he pushed me over to the rings. He knew I was nervous.
''What is he like? Does he like jewels more or more of a plain kind of ring?'' She asked me. I couldn't help but scoff at her words as I finally found my way over to the counter. I crossed my arms over my chest before speaking.
''As much as he doesn't want to admit it, he likes sparkly things for the time being. Over time, I noticed he wears really bland shit. I should probably get him a simple ring.'' I said to her. She nodded her head at my words, leaning over the counter as she gazed down at the rings.
''I just bought a promise ring for my boyfriend recently myself. He accepted it, thank god... I got him something plain too, obviously.'' She explained to me. I couldn't help but smile at her words.
''Were you scared to give it to him?'' I asked her. She met eyes with me instantly, the words leaving her mouth easily.
''I was scared shitless. It's basically a mini engagement.''
''I TOLD YOU!''
I couldn't help but roll my eyes as Kyle began to laugh at her, Eden joining in as she listened to his crackheaded laugh.
I looked at all of the rings carefully. A lot of them were covered with jewels and were expensive- which wasn't a big deal. I just wanted to get Luke something simple. It can have a few jewels maybe... just not something too feminine.
''What about that one?'' I asked her. I pointed to one of the rings that sat in the display, Eden immediately unlocking it and reaching in the case. She then pulled it out, setting it on the display in front of us with a smile.
''It's made from polished, finished tungsten. It features a high polished insert, which gives it a modern designer feel. You can engrave anything you want on the inside of it to give him a personalized message he can look at any time he wants.'' She said with a smile.
''How long do you think it will take?'' I asked her.
''Oh, only a few days. I'd give it about three to four.'' She told me.
''Perfect. I think I'm going to get this one.'' I said to her. She smiled brightly at me as she took it out of the case, motioning for me to follow her to the cash register.
''What do you think you're going to get engraved into it?'' She asked me out of curiosity. I couldn't help but smile as I took my gaze off of the ground, meeting her eyes before the words left my mouth.
''I love you, blondie.''