Little Life of Nolan Parks - 30. Epilogue - It's a Gift - Fight Song

Liam's POV

I sat there in the crowd, next to my mom, brother and Aunt watching my cousin graduate. Nolan stood tall in his robe along the rest of his class. I couldn't be more proud of my little cousin.

It's been a little over three years since Nolan's life turned for the better. Paul and Harrison are nowhere to be seen; they are still locked behind bars for their actions. Nolan hasn't had a panic attack in who knows how long.

“It's Nolan's turn!” Leif whispered as loud as he could!

Things with Leif and I are as strong as they have always been. We still live with mom. Dad ended up in jail. He was doing really well actually until one night he was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Dad ended up getting into a fight with some rich guy's son. Since dad doesn't have good money, he was majorly out lawyered. He did send out the first punch, and he did do more damage. With good behavior, he'll be out in no time.

The master of ceremonies spoke through the mic. “Nolan Parks.”

With a huge grin on his face, Nolan went up and accepted his diploma and took a seat. Sitting right in front of the twins, Richie and Randy, they shook him about in joy. I could see Henry looking so proud of his boyfriend.

Henry has been so very supportive of Nolan. I don't think I have ever seen the two of them fight. Henry has never gotten impatient with him. Nolan has apologized profusely to him anytime he gets anxiety or something. They are amazing together.

Nolan was the last of the friend group to go up. So we waited a little bit until everyone was up and the speeches started. It was the same boring stuff that was said last year; I zoned out until the valedictorian speech.

Again, the master of ceremonies spoke. “Now normally at this time we would call up our valedictorian to make their speech. This year though our valedictorian, Grace Williams has opted out of making the speech and has asked for Nolan Parks to present it.

“So if you will Nolan come to the podium, address your classmates with the speech you have prepared.” The entire room erupted in cheers and claps.

The entire class on stage started to chant Nolan's name. “Nolan! Nolan! Nolan! Nolan!” It made my aunt tear up a bit.

Nolan pulled out the papers he had in his pocket and cleared his throat. “Well... we're here ready to take on the world. Our lives are about to become more stressful and a little more free. Many of us will be going off to college or University and for some, this will be the last time we see each other for a very long time.

“Each of us has lived our lives here. We've been through different hardships and faced many challenges along the way. There are many more challenges waiting for us in life, but today we're going to celebrate what we have done.

“Many of you in this class have lived in this town all your lives. So this may be your first time calling another town home. We'll only call our parents when we need money or maybe to complain about something or another.

“I know for me this is going to be a tough road. Many of you have decided where you're going to school, what you will become, and who you wish to be. There are some of us who have a hard enough time being who we are in these moments.

“For me, I want to leave this podium and cower into my boyfriend's side. Even though I won't, this is something I have been tasked with by Grace, who I thank for allowing me to speak on her behalf.” He's going off book; he practiced his speech to me, and this was not a part of it at all.

“But if I'm being honest with you all, I'm beyond nervous right now. I am not a public speaker and probably never will be, but this is important to me, to us. We have each been through a journey, some rougher than others and all of that has brought us to this point.

“I guess all there is to say is a cliché; “That this is only the beginning of our journey.” We have hopefully many many years waiting for us in the future. May their be many ups and not so many downs waiting for us.

“Grad Class of 2016, may our every wish come true! Thank you, everyone.” Nolan quickly returned to his seat face beat red.

The Master of Ceremonies returned to the podium. “Thank you, Nolan. Now, class of 2016, I welcome you to the world of adulthood. You all have officially graduated!” And like that, the entire class tossed their hats up into the air.

They quickly dispersed into the crowd. Nolan and Henry came up to us, Nolan hiding behind his long hair. I gave him a great big hug. I'm so proud of this kid.

Nolan's hair has grown quite a bit. It can completely cover his face if he fixes it right. He usually has it off to the side, but right now he's got it covering a bit of his face. He must be embarrassed about his speech.

“What happened up there?” I asked him taking his hair away from his face.

He flicked his head, putting his hair back into place. “I got nervous and started talking about myself. So I ended it early before I made too much of a fool of myself.”

Henry put his arm around Nolan's shoulder. “It's okay; you did just fine. I'm proud of you Nolan.” Nolan smiled and lowered his head.

“Picture time!” Auntie pulled out her camera and started taking picture after picture of Nolan with others. I swear he's not going to be able to stop smiling after this.

After a bit of chaos with pictures and everything, I finally managed to get Nolan alone. “How are you feeling?”

“A little overwhelmed, but I can handle it.”

“Are you able to go to Dry Grad?”

He nodded. “Ya, I should be fine. You don't need to worry as much anymore Liam.”

“That doesn't stop me from worrying about you.” Even though I know Nolan can take care of himself now, I can't help but worry about him. He's my little cousin, who at one time really needed me. He's grown up so much now.

He's been through so much, and now he's graduating. Who knows what is waiting for him, but he will be able to handle it. He is a Parks, after all; we're tough enough to make our way through.

Henry's POV

We finally got to Dry Grad and have been having a blast. Nolan was embarrassed about the whole speech thing, but he's finally coming out of his shell. The twins are up doing karaoke trying to cheer Nolan up.

Grace came over with a huge smile. “Nice speech Nolan, it was perfect.”

He shook his head. “No, I completely fucked it up.”

She kneeled down and looked right into his eyes. “Nolan, you did your very best that's all I wanted. I'm happy with the speech you gave.” Nolan got a smile on his face. With her job complete, she got up and looked around the room. “Now where is that Justin?”

“I think he's in the gym, doing the obstacle course over and over again.” There was this inflatable course that Justin wants to do in the fastest time he can. He's just a jock.

Grace rolled her eyes. “Of course, he is. I'll go see how he's doing.” She headed off out of the room.

That just left Nolan and I listening to the twins ruin some of our favorite songs. They were having a good time, and from the looks of it cheering Nolan up a little bit too.

The two of us stayed in the same spot all night. People would come and go, but we would always stay here. Everyone in school knows who Nolan is. It was just a matter of time before what happened got out.

Nolan spent a week home from school, afraid of what would happen. The principle expressed how Ms. Parks and Nolan felt about it. And when he came back on that Monday, his support grew from a small circle to a community. No one even talked about him; there was a group of people backing Nolan.

He has gone through so many downs, every day my goal is to give him an up. Even if it's just a single up, no matter how minor, my goal achieved. One smile, or giggle and I'm set. I strive for more of course, but some days it's harder than others.

That's why I got up. “Just one sec.” Nolan watched me walk up to our math teacher, who was running the karaoke. After a very brief conversation with him, I set things up so that I could sing next.

I chose the song that I know always cheers Nolan up. I'm a decent singer, enough to always get a laugh out of Nolan when I sing. Some people have said I should have taken part in the talent shows. I'm not into that stuff.

Like a small boat
On the ocean
Sending big waves
Into motion
Like how a single word
Can make a heart open
I might only have one match
But I can make an explosion

I saw Nolan just shake his head at me. I waved him over to come up and sing with me. He just hid behind his hair.

This song in our school is basically Nolan's song. Grace actually performed it and dedicated it to him. It's almost like a calling card now that Nolan needs a little cheer up. It usually works too.

And all those things I didn't say
Wrecking balls inside my brain
I will scream them loud tonight
Can you hear my voice this time?

I could see Nolan's mouth move with the lyrics. He was at the very least lip-syncing to it.

This is my fight song
Take back my life song
Prove I'm alright song
My power's turned on
Starting right now I'll be strong
I'll play my fight song
And I don't really care if nobody else believes
'Cause I've still got a lot of fight left in me

Connor grabbed the mic from me out of nowhere. Him and Tobi sang the next part together.

Oh, those two, they are the best of friends. They didn't really work out as boyfriends but man they are inseparable. Connor and Tobi are almost joined at the hip. Connor's confidence has gotten a huge boost too. He's now the kid who throws himself out there every time.

Losing friends and I'm chasing sleep
Everybody's worried about me
In too deep
Say I'm in too deep (in too deep)
And it's been two years
I miss my home
But there's a fire burning in my bones
Still believe
Yeah, I still believe

Richie grabbed the second mic and started walking towards Nolan. Randy sang from the stage. God these two are not good at singing. I guess that's why it's called karaoke.

And all those things I didn't say
Wrecking balls inside my brain
I will scream them loud tonight
Can you hear my voice this time?

This is my fight song
Take back my life song
Prove I'm alright song
My power's turned on
Starting right now I'll be strong
I'll play my fight song
And I don't really care if nobody else believes
'Cause I've still got a lot of fight left in me

Richie handed Nolan the mic. I didn't think he would take it, but he did. His voice was so quiet when he started.

A lot of fight left in me

His voice cracked on “me”. Nolan was feeling down for sure. This has to cheer him up; it's just gotta.

As each line passed, his voice became louder and more confident.

Like a small boat
On the ocean
Sending big waves
Into motion
Like how a single word
Can make a heart open
I might only have one match
But I can make an explosion

Justin and Grace entered the room; it was just our little circle in the room. It was strange, like everyone else knew that it should only be us.

This is my fight song (Hey!)

It felt like Nolan's Voice echoed, more so than all of our voices backing him up shouting “Hey!”

Take back my life song (Hey!)

Nolan let go, screaming into the mic, he pounded out the remainder of the chorus.

Prove I'm alright song (Hey!)
My power's turned on
Starting right now I'll be strong (I'll be strong)
I'll play my fight song
And I don't really care if nobody else believes
'Cause I've still got a lot of fight left in me

He calmed down as the music did. Running out of breath as he did. I grabbed the first mic from Randy and sang the final line, with all my heart.

No, I've still got a lot of fight left in me

We could hear the class cheering for us from outside the room. All of us burst into laughter. This could very well be the last time we're all together like this. And I think I might have given Nolan the up he needed.

Nolan's POV

“You don't have to Nolan,” Henry told me, concern filled his voice.

I shook my head at him. “I want to.”

Both of us were naked; Henry was hovering over me. I had just told him to fuck me, of course, he would be concerned. When we had tried in the past, memories of Paul or one of his friends would always take over, and we'd have to stop.

This time, it felt different. Like those demons were giving me tonight for this. There was nothing to fear, just making love with my best friend. Henry Jacobs, the best boyfriend a guy could ask for.

“If it becomes too much just tell me to stop.” Henry lifted my legs up and placed a pillow below my butt. “I don't like it when you freak out. It scares me just as much as it scares you.”

“I know...” There have been times when Henry has cried over me freaking out. That's when it's my turn to calm him down.

One thing we learned about sex, I cannot do standard sex. So doggie style, I will on every occasion get triggered. So missionary is the way for us to do it when I'm the bottom.

I felt Henry's finger slid into my ass; I moaned as he pushed the lube around. A second and then finally a third finger went in. Henry leaned in and started to steal kisses from me as he fiddled with my prostate.

My body automatically wrapped myself around him, and I held him so close to me; it felt so good. “You okay?” Henry asked me.

I nodded. “Now, please.”

His fingers left my hole, soon to get replaced. I felt his cock position itself ready to enter me. He gently pushed his way in; I groaned as he slowly got his whole cock in me.

I felt his balls against my ass. “You doing okay?” I could only respond with my tongue being shoved down his throat. Henry started to thrust his cock slowly as we made out.

Slowly but surely he picked up his pace and started going from tip to balls. The sensation in my ass was so amazing. All I could do was moan and shout “Fuck!” when he pushed back in.

And like that, Henry shoved his cock deep in me, and a warmth followed after as he shot his load in my ass, dam. He grabbed hold of my cock and gave it just a couple of pulls, and I shot my load all over our chests.

Henry collapsed on top of me. He looked up at me like he was about to say something. I beat him to it. “I love you, Henry Jacobs.”

His eyes sparkled as his lips grew into a little smile. “I love you too Nolan Parks.”

We fell asleep like that. It was perfect, Henry snuggling into my neck as he lay on top of me.

This guy... there is no words to describe what he's done for me. Once he managed to fall asleep, I whispered into his ear. “Thank you.” Before drifting off as well. If I told him when he was awake, I would get told it's just his duty or something. When he's asleep, he has no choice but to accept it as it is.

Henry Jacobs is my angel, my prince charming... the big part of my little life.

Story End.