Someone Called Soulmate - The Aftermath
AFTERMATH
Noah touched the bruise on Luke’s face lightly and his blonde lover winced in pain. “Sorry,” he hurriedly whispered and backed his hand off. Luke said he didn’t remember how he got those bruises or that deep cut over his forehead. All he remembered was the water rising tremendously as he went ahead. At some point, he had water up to his neck, and after that nothing ... he said he was considering turning back, but thoughts of his family kept him traipsing through the water at any cost to get to them.
It has been five hours since the whole incident, and they’re at the airport terminal. Luke seemed better now. His beautiful face was no longer pale and had gotten back its original colour. Things were pretty much back to normal too. Holden had recovered and was discharged from the hospital. Aaron and Jess were back and the Snyders were back to being the happy family again.
However, it was time to part ways for the boys and it seemed difficult for each of them. Noah looked torn between the two best things in his life - his career and his love, while Luke’s story was no different. They both wanted to be with each other, but too many things were just coming between them.
“I guess it’s time to say goodbye then.” Luke sighed. “I really wish I could come to LA with you. But I am just not ready to leave Oakdale yet. I have my whole family here and ...”
“It’s okay Luke. I understand it is a huge step for you to take and I wouldn’t expect you to make that decision right away. I understand you need time.” Noah smiled.
He was such an understanding person and it was what Luke adored so much about him. “Thank you.” He smiled back and said. “But I feel so guilty to let you go just like that. I know you expect more from me because we just got back together after such a long break in our relationship. And I also know that we have to take time to reconstruct it again, so it will be as strong as it was back then, maybe stronger. But for that, we have to be close to each other and not far away.”
“We can keep in touch through phone calls and emails. And maybe I can visit you in Oakdale too.” Noah said tenderly brushing away Luke’s hair from his forehead.
Luke pouted. “It still wouldn’t be the same as us living in the same town and getting to see you every day.”
Noah gave out a chortle. “Well, in that case, I have an idea.” He grinned secretively and Luke’s featured perked up in curiosity. “I was thinking ...”
“Hey Noah,” they were interrupted by Brandon calling him, “Come on man; we are supposed to board next.”
The brunette turned back to Luke, the grin never leaving his face and said, “I will be right back. Just wait okay.” Luke nodded and watched him go over to his friend and co-worker. They talked - actually argued - for a few. Brandon would keep looking in his direction and Luke didn’t know what to think of it. He just threw a crooked smile at the red-haired man.
Finally, he knew Brandon had given up and Noah had won over whatever argument they were having, because he had exhaled and nodded unsurely. In a minute, he saw his blue-eyed man coming back to him with a much brighter face. Brandon called out again, “Prepare yourself for some great loads of lashing anyway. He is not going to comprehend it.”
“Don’t worry. I told you I’ll handle it with him.” Noah yelled for him over his shoulders and added, “You have a safe trip. I will call you tomorrow.” He promised his buddy as he neared Luke.
“Wait, you’re not going with them?” Luke asked, totally confused.
Noah grinned. “I am coming with you.” He said. “Back to Oakdale.”
Luke couldn’t stop the smile from forming on his face but he countered, “But what about your film? You have to finish what you have started Noah.”
“It can wait, and anyway, the filming is done with. I have asked Brandon to start with the editing work without me.” Noah said.
“But he said someone is not going to comprehend your decision.” Luke repeated Brandon’s words.
“Oh Erik, the producer ... don’t worry; he is a great man.” Noah assured. “He might not be happy with my decision initially, but I bet he will come around sooner or later. Plus, I do need a break desperately after years of hard work.”
Luke was laughing, not able to contain his ecstasy. “But ... why?” He had to ask.
“For us, Luke.” He smiled. “I made the mistake of giving up on us before, not again. You said we need to give time to rebound to the strength of our past relationship, so that’s what I am trying to do. I want to give it time because it’s worth it; you’re worth it.”
Those heartfelt words got to him and Luke couldn’t hold himself back from kissing the man in front of him. He gave a long, excited smooch on his lips. Holding his face he leaned back, “You, Noah Mayer, make me feel like I am flying high in the air. Damn you are amazing.”
“YOU are amazing baby.” Noah smiled into the kiss he gave him before they turned to all the guys from Noah’s crew calling back at him to say goodbye. They both waved at them as they were taken out to board their flight.
When they were gone, Noah extended his hand. “So Mr. Luke Snyder, what do you say?” He tried to say in a polished British accent, “Shall we leave?”
Luke took his hand and giggling, he mimicked Noah’s speaking demeanour. “I can hardly wait to go with you, Mr. Mayer.” They both shared a fit of laughter and intertwined their fingers, tightly grasping the other’s hand. “Oakdale is calling us, Noah.”
“Yup. Oakdale; our destination and our destiny too.” Noah smiled and they walked hand in hand towards where Luke’s family was waiting.
Arkansas may have brought some bad memories in their lives, but they will never forget what good they gained over there. And they’ll look back into their past one day, and the time in Arkansas won’t remind them of the disaster; instead it will serve to be the reminder of how they both found their lost love.
THE END