Chapter 1: Journey

It was five in the afternoon when Justin sat in his bedroom, buying a plane ticket online. The anticipation of seeing the love of his life again was intense, and he didn't want to waste another minute.

"Are you really going after Saul, son? You know he's your father's age," his mother said from the doorway.

"I'm sure, Mother. I truly love him—I've loved him for seven years, and I'm not giving up. I'm going to make him fall for me." He finished purchasing the ticket as he spoke.

"Your father doesn't agree with this madness, especially since he and Saul don't get along anymore."

"Dad will understand."

"Fine. You're an adult and you know what you want. If he hurts you and rejects you, come back home to us."

"I will, Mother. I'll confess one more time, and if he rejects me, I won't push it."

"Good. Be careful out there, and call me often."

"I will."

His mother left, and Justin set about packing his suitcase. He wanted to see Saul again and confess his love one more time.

"I hope this time he sees how sincere I am and accepts me."

Justin had confessed his feelings to Saul more than ten times since the age of eighteen, and every time he'd been firmly rejected. He'd promised Saul he would study, make something of himself, and come back to confess again.

His mind drifted to the first time he'd confessed. Back then, Justin and his family had lived next door to Saul. At just eighteen, the boy had declared his love to the older man publicly—in front of his parents and a roomful of guests at a formal gala. Saul, indignant, had rejected him sharply, humiliating him in front of everyone. And yet, even afterward, Saul had continued treating him well—giving him gifts, driving him to school on occasion, letting him sleep over—always maintaining the line that he saw Justin as a nephew.

"Saul, I know I'm younger than you, but I truly love you—with all my heart. I'd like you to give me a chance to be together."

"Justin, I've already made it clear that I'm not interested. You're my friend's son. You're just a pubescent kid who doesn't know what he wants. If you bring this up again, I'll have to speak with your parents and ban you from my house."

"But—"

"Respect me. Don't ever mention this nonsense about being in love with me again. It disgusts me just thinking you have those kinds of feelings for me."

"Fine. But when I've got a degree and a stable career, I'll come back and confess again," Justin said with conviction.

"That's exactly what you should be focused on—studying and becoming someone your parents can be proud of. Not some spoiled kid obsessing over nonsense."

"It's not nonsense. I love you, and nothing will change that."

"Starting today, you're banned from my house. Don't come near me, and don't ever say these things in public again."

Coming out of his thoughts, Justin set his suitcase aside and lay back on the bed. He wanted Saul to accept him—wanted the chance to show him what his love really meant.

"If he rejects me again, I'll find the strength to let go of what I feel for him."

The next morning, Justin woke early, got ready, and went downstairs to have breakfast with his mother, who advised him to be cautious and not let Saul humiliate him publicly again.

"I'll be careful this time, Mother."

"I hope so. As an adult, you need to know when to step aside and give up before it's too late."

"I know. Even though I love him, I'll stop if he rejects me again. I won't give him the chance to see me cry or beg."

"I'll trust you on that."

After breakfast and one last conversation with his mother, Justin said goodbye and headed to the airport to catch the flight that would carry him back to his first love.

Just a couple of hours, and I'll be face to face with him again, he thought, staring out the airplane window.

When the plane landed, Justin went straight to Saul's house. He rang the doorbell twice before the housekeeper answered.

"Mrs. Maria, it's so good to see you again," he said, greeting the older woman eagerly.

"Mr. Justin! I didn't think I'd ever see you again."

"I know, but this time I'm back to run the branch office of my father's company here in the city—and to go after Saul."

"Oh, young man! I'm afraid you're in for a disappointment. Mr. Saul has had a girlfriend for two years now."

"Mrs. Maria, are you serious?" He was caught off guard, thrown for a moment.

"It's the truth. They've even talked about marriage."

"I see. I'll wait for him here and talk to him."

"Of course. Please, come in."

Justin stepped inside and sat down in the living room, setting his suitcase beside him as he looked around. On the wall hung a large photograph of Saul with a young woman who looked like a model. The picture frames that had once held photos of the two of them together now displayed images of Saul and this woman.

"Looks like my chance to confess is gone. If I go through with it, I'll only make a fool of myself and pile on more humiliation."

While he sat lost in thought, Mrs. Maria brought him a glass of juice and some appetizers to tide him over while he waited for Saul to arrive.

"I'll ask him to let me stay here for a couple of days while my parents' house is being cleaned."

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