Love is Always Write Anthology Volume 1

Alex, so please don't fret and try to change and never, ever think you're not good enough. Like you, I hope that something will happen also. I've discussed our future with Dad and Mum. They know how we feel, however they stress they want me to finish my studies, which I want to do anyway, and have assured them I will. So let's take life as it comes and see what the future brings, ay?"
    ****
    "How are you, boys?" Harry asked in his kind, trusting voice when we met in the doorway of his office on Easter Saturday, making us feel welcome and relaxed. "I'm happy to see you've recovered and looking well, Alex." We chatted for a few minutes before he opened the folder on his desk's blotter pad and handed me a procession of documents to sign to finalise the orchard purchase, which Drew witnessed.
    When he closed the file, he gazed at us. "Have you made any plans for your future together?"
    How odd he should raise that subject , I thought, as though he knew our minds. "Drew intends visiting me every weekend and holidays until I can get my driving license and can drive by myself to his home. Then we'll alternate visits every second weekend. The future plan is for him to finish his studies, and after he passes, to live with me in the new house I hope to have built next year. The scary part is for him to find a suitable job in the area."
    Drew added his thoughts, then dropped a bombshell by adding that his dad preferred he join a large, influential city practice. Hell, if he did that we'll never live together , I thought, my eyes tearing up at the idea.
    I sniffed as I looked at Drew and threaded my fingers through his on the armrest. "You never told me—"
    "Cool, babe. That's what he wishes, but at the same time he knows the consequences. If he insists, I'd face the choice of defying him, which I can't do or… breaking it off with you, which he knows will never happen. I think Mum will assist because she's very fond of you and doesn't want me to lose you, looking upon you almost as her son-in-law, already."
    Harry leaned back in his old creaking timber chair, rested his elbows on the armrests and laced his hands together on his belly, gazing at us through his bifocals. "I know how you must feel, Drew," he said. "Allow me to suggest you take a leaf from an old man's diary, his journal of mistakes and epitaph to life's regrets. One can never equate the value of a dollar or presumed reputation or prestige of a job to the beauty of love. Nothing compares to the worth of true affection between two people. Think about this. Think about your happiness living with Alex in idyllic rural bliss every day versus possibly a lonely, vacant life, a life of what-ifs , remorse and heartbreak.
    "Those feelings never leave you, ever, even if you meet and live with another partner. They linger in the background, reminding you of your truest love. I know from experience. I left her and went away on young men's adventures, and when I came back, she lay in the arms of another man. Don't follow my mistake and those of countless others. Drew, if you love him, cling to him and don't let him go. He is beyond value. He is priceless."
    "Oh, my, Harry. You know how to make a guy's heart cry, don't you?" I said, between sniffles, while feeling Drew's hand crush mine.
    "Well, my friend, you are a young and innocent boy who has suffered more than anyone should. Let's ensure your future life is gifted with happiness."
    I hugged Harry as we left. "You're the priceless one," I said, seeing him silently chuckle and shake his head.
    "If you are all free, come to my home tomorrow for sunset drinks. I might have something of interest to tell you. Let me know this evening."
    ****
    I wove my fingers through Drew's as we headed towards the street entrance from Harry's office. On a spur of the moment, I pulled him under the ornate timber staircase, bound my arms around his neck and kissed him. "I love you," I said. Before he had a chance to answer, I dragged him toward the street, releasing his hand when we reached the small entrance stairway.
    "What was that about?"
    "What?"
    "Back there."
    "Huh?"
    "Never mind, but do it more often, will ya? I liked it."
    I grinned at him and we both laughed, just as a passer-by pushed into me deliberately, knocking me off balance, though saved from falling by Drew's quick thinking. "Stand beside the wall while I fix that jerk," he said, taking off before I could say no. I watched him as he reached the offender who had not stopped,