Trust

He’d left home after his father’s death. He’d given away or sold everything before breaking the lease. He knew there was a chance there’d be a fee for doing so. The Realtors, and the owners, told him not to worry about it. To his surprise. They’d understood his plight. That he had no reason to stay anymore. There was only a few months left on the lease anyway. They knew they could likely find someone to rent to in that time. It could take that long to find someone anyway. Reagan had moved on with his life after that. Happily.

The severe trust issues continued though. People that’d let their actions speak. He’d begun doing the same. He’d become a recluse. Even though he’d moved to Miami Beach. He didn’t mind people watching from the balcony of his apartment. He had somehow managed to move into an apartment on Washington Avenue. He’d find himself lost in thought while doing so. Wondering about what they were doing as they went about their day. He had no interest in being around people. Or making friends. It just wasn’t worth it to him. He’d been hurt far too much. Romantically and otherwise unfortunately.

He’d met Emery at one of the few parties he’d gone to. The LGBTQ+ community was far more accepting that he’d thought. It didn’t keep him from keeping his distance though. He was unsure of everyone. LGBTQ+ people included. He’d experienced hatred from within the community as well. He wasn’t used to everyone loving him for who he is. Genuinely loving him. Emery had been an Ally. She’d been outspoken about Human Rights. LGBTQ+ people as well. Reagan had let her get too close for comfort. It didn’t feel right to him. Their friendship blossomed. It’d turned into a relationship.

Their relationship blossomed. He’d told her everything. She’d reminded him of how far he’d come in the six months since he’d moved to Miami Beach. That he’d met people who let their actions speak as much as what they’d said. That he’d made friends with most people he’d met. That he’d been to parties. Of everything he’d experienced. That she loves him for who he is. And that she’d no intention of ever leaving him. She was going to love him until the end of time. He broke down in tears. The first time in over a year he’d cried.

He’d gone to therapy. Something he’d no interest in before. He didn’t think it’d help him. He saw things differently as time passed. That he was finally at a point in his life where he was finally okay. He was happy. He was in a relationship with someone that loves him to the ends of the earth. For eternity. His soulmate. He’d sworn off everything romantic. Without giving it a chance even in Miami Beach. Life happens though. Things change. The people that’d waltzed into his life stayed for a reason. To forever be part of life. Happily part of it.