Being back in the studio was a nice change of pace. Kicking back with my friends and playing tunes is what I lived for and that's been hard recently with the new babies and whatnot. Mostly, I just did my own thing. Played for mom, helped dad with things around the house and spent time with Laney. Things were good and simple in my life.


But lately, that's been causing a problem. I was constantly being bragged about for moving so slow with my life and acting my age. It was nice to have nothing to think about but my music, I admit that, but in times like these, where I'm sitting in a crowded room watching my friends be with their families, I feel alone. Even at home, dad had mom and she had him. Who do I have?


Laney and I started out on rocky shores. The age difference served as a huge problem, but there was nothing standing in the way anymore. We'd moved slowly over the years and we'd already gotten our lives in line, how we wanted them. Sure, me being in a band and her doing the gymnastics thing meant we weren't often home at the same time, but we made it work. I guess that's what being in love does to you. That's why all of my friends were settled down and living in the land of adulthood. I wanted that.


I'd been the youngest and the most laid back for far too long.


"Hey Nate?" Aubree poked me, a big grin on her face. It was then that I realized she didn't have Xander in her arms. "Tom is putting Xander down. Wanna grab a drink a with me?"


I smiled brightly, nodding my head. This was one of those things that I deeply missed. Aubs was my best friend, there was no denying that, but once she got married and I moved in by myself, I realized how distant we'd become. I usually had Laney over (when she was home) to keep my mind off of it, but it was starting to sink in that, since I was lingering behind my friends, we didn't connect how we used to. They all had the married life, the children and I only had a girlfriend and a lonely, studio apartment. I needed change.


"It feels nice to be back, doesn't it? I've missed making music so much."


"I have to admit, it strange to not see you buried in school work."


"I have more important things to worry about these days," she flashed me a smile, sliding a drink across the table to me as she sat down. "So how are things in your world? I feel bad that I haven't come to sing for your mom in a while."


"Don't sweat it, she knows what you're going through. She just happy I stop by almost everyday."


"I still miss her, though," Aubree frowned, letting a sigh fall from her lips. But, as she is Aubs, she perked up pretty quickly. "How are things with your girlfriend?"


"Never better," I admitted, feeling a tingle in my gut. If there was anything to talk to about this, it was my best chick friend. "I've, uh, actually been thinking about popping the question."


"Get out!" Aubree gasped, putting her hand over her mouth. "You're joking?"


"Nope, I already bought the ring. I'm just not sure how, or when, to do it. I was thinking of randomly showing up to visit her. I mean, she's home for the next month, and just putting it out there."


"Well, it is very you. Blunt and in the moment, and she loves you, so I'm sure she'd love it."


"I just - I mean - How do you know if it's too soon?"


"You don't," Aubree shrugged, a giddy grin on her lips. "If it feels right, do it. You love her more than anything else, right?"


"She's right there next to music."


"Then go for it, Nateykins!"


I couldn't help but laugh at my old nickname. Were these the type of things I required to reconnect with everyone? I believe, if I'm correct, this is what growing up is like. I'd always enjoyed watching my friends grow and change, it just never seemed like I'd do it myself. I mean, I'm Nate. I've always just been Nate.


The quiet one. The different one. The one who was a friend, but not a best friend, at leat not to anyone but Aubs. The one with the sick mom, the sad life, the confused mind.


Now, I was more. I was Nate, with his own place, with a girl he loves, who wants to join in on settling down and staring my own, new life. Even though I still felt like a kid here with my friends, things were different. We were all different. This time, in a good way.


And now I knew exactly what I wanted. There was no more fear lingering in my gut. Laney and I were meant to be, no questions asked. Finally, I had the courage to go through with it. I was going to propose to Laney. I was going to start a family.


The joy was forming in my gut, as in Aubs, and she was just about to get up and wrap her arms around my neck, but Jack appeared in the doorway with a big smile on his lips and a controller in his hands. Shit, if I didn't know how many years had passed, I'd say he was still seventeen.


"Nate. The kids are in bed. Game on."


"Coming, bro!"


Aubree shook her head and let out a sigh. I may be about to propose to my girlfriend, but I'm still me and I'll never pass up a chance to beat Jack at his favorite game.

Notes

Sweet little Nate. <3.