The Promises in Silence( BL)

Celebration

Chapter 17

After walking through the crowd, Preston led us to meet his best friend, Annabel. She was waiting by the hall entrance, a bright smile lighting up her face when she saw us approach.

"Annabel, meet Caleb and Jason," Preston said, gesturing toward us. "And guys, this is Annabel, my best friend."

I extended a hand, smiling warmly. "Nice to meet you, Annabel. I've heard a lot about you."

It's good to finally meet the person who keeps this guy in check."

Annabel laughed, glancing at Preston. "Someone has to."

I handed Preston the pink bouquet. "Here, give this to her. We picked it up for her."

Preston handed over the flowers, and Annabel's eyes widened in delight. "Oh my gosh, these are beautiful. Thank you so much!"

"You're welcome," I said, smiling at her. "And thank you for looking out for Preston—protecting him, helping him, and just being there for him. It means a lot to me."

She blushed slightly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "He's my best friend. That's what friends do."

We made small talk for a while until the ceremony began. When Preston's name was called, I couldn't help but cheer louder than anyone else in the room. Pride swelled in my chest as I watched him walk across the stage, his confidence radiating. He was growing up so fast, and every step felt like a triumph for both of us.

After the ceremony, we took countless photos with him and Annabel, preserving every moment. Then, as planned, we all headed to a restaurant I had booked ahead of time.

"I hope you're hungry," I teased as we walked in. "I made sure they're ready with all your favorites. And there's a surprise, too."

Preston's eyes lit up. "A surprise? What is it?"

"Wait and see."

When we got to our reserved table, a beautiful cake was waiting for him with "Congratulations, Preston!" written in elegant frosting. He looked at me with wide eyes and an even wider smile.

"Cay, you didn't have to…"

"I wanted to," I said, ruffling his hair. "You deserve it."

I encouraged everyone to order whatever they liked, and soon the table was filled with food. As we ate, we talked about the colleges Preston had applied to.

"I already told you," I said, turning to him, "you're going to college in town. We can't be apart again, so you'll go from home, and I'll take care of everything."

Preston smiled but didn't say much, instead focusing on his cake.

When the food arrived, I instinctively began feeding Preston from his plate, completely forgetting my own. It was an old habit I hadn't shaken off, and honestly, I didn't want to.

"Cay, you're not eating," Preston said suddenly, holding a forkful of food to my mouth. "Here, eat this."

I let him feed me, smiling as I took the bite. We kept going back and forth, feeding each other and laughing, completely lost in our own little world.

"Are we invisible or something?" Jason's voice cut through the moment.

Preston and I looked up, startled. Jason and Annabel were both staring at us, amused.

Jason sighed dramatically, a mock-pout on his face. "No one's feeding me. It's so unfair."

Annabel giggled. "Right? It's like we're not even here."

Jason smirked. "Honestly, Caleb, stop making me jealous. Can you not?"

I rolled my eyes. "Shut up, Jason. Just eat your food."

Ignoring him completely, I went back to feeding Preston as if no one else existed.

After the meal, Annabel excused herself, saying her family was waiting to celebrate with her. Jason left shortly after, muttering something about third-wheeling too hard.

With just the two of us left, I decided to make the evening even sweeter. "Come on," I said, grabbing Preston's hand. "Let's get ice cream."

At the ice cream parlor, Preston ordered his favorite flavor, and I couldn't help but tease him by stealing a taste.

"You're unbelievable," he said, laughing as I licked the ice cream from my hand.

"What can I say? It tastes better when it's yours," I replied with a smirk.