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Naib woke up to a cloudy day, grey fluffy clouds covering the sky, not a blue spot in sight. It seemed it was going to rain later, he better take an umbrella.
He reincorporated himself on the bed, shivering at the cold air of the room. It took him, he thinks, 5 minutes to brave up enough to get out.
Just as his feet touched the cold floor, he sprinted towards the bathroom. Desperately he run a warm bath as fast as he could and got in.
Cold days were the worst.
He washed himself and got dressed. Siting again on his bed, he took his phone and saw his messages.
No message from Norton... that meant he overslept again.
Naib sighed and dialed his number.
At the second call, someone answered, but I wasn’t Norton.
“Aló?” It sounded like a kids voice.
“H-hello? Is this Norton’s cellphone?”
“Yes!”
“Who’s talking?”
“Ivan! That’s my name! And you?”
“I’m... im Naib, it’s a pleasure, Ivan.” He couldn’t suppress his smile. “Do you know where Norton is?”
“My big-bro is sleeping... listen...”
He heard some shuffling on the other side and then small snores came from the speaker. Naib laughed, not being able to contain himself.
“Did you hear?” He heard Ivan’s voice again.
“Yes I did, he sounded really sleepy...”
“Yes he did!” He heard, the kid excited.
“Could you wake up your big bro? He’s late for school.”
“Yes! Wait a little.”
The kids voice disappeared and shuffling started again. He heard something like water running in the distance. A pause.
He then heard a scream. “AAHH!!! IVÁN!!! QUE HACE FRÍO!”
“Naib guy wanted me to wake you up!”
He heard more shuffling. Naib’s eyes were watering from laughing so much.
“Amo- Naib! What’s up?”
“Babe, you are late for school.”
“WHAT? But I set up like 5 alarms...”
“You are imposible... remember to take an umbrella, it’s going to rain.”
“Yeah yeah! I have to go now, see ya at school! Love y- goodbye!!” He then cut the call.
Naib looked at his phone. Norton tried to tell him that he loved him but cut himself mid sentence... he knew why. Norton hasn’t come out and he couldn’t slip in front of his family.
It bugged him, just a little, but he won’t ever pressure his boyfriend into anything he doesn’t want.
Naib will do anything for Norton to be happy, even if it meant he couldn’t tell him he loved him or kiss him in public.
He prepared and left for school.
———————
Uneventful day. Classes going by, the only good time when he had lunch time with Norton. Naib brought him some snacks his mum made, Norton’s face of happiness was instant serotonin.
One of the best things of his day was boxing practice. There was something about the gloves on his hands or the feeling of the ring beneath him that made him relax.
He just let go of himself, throwing punches and kicks to his opponent, them not standing a chance, Naib too quick.
He always stopped before making too much damage.
He was sitting at the benches, cooling off, when his friend Martha sat next to him. She was part of the female boxing club.
“How you’ve being? I can tell you are still in form, as always!”
“I’ve being fine... how about you?”
“Good! Yesterday I went to Vera’s home to meet her parents! They were so sweet!”
“That’s good to hear!”
“Yes! You know Vera and I started dating like... a week ago, so I didn’t expect her to take me home with her. My parents already adore her, so I was relieved when hers accepted me!”
Naib was happy for Martha and Vera but something ticked him off a little. He kinda wishes Norton would present him to his family... if not as a boyfriend maybe as a friend.
But every time Naib asked him about it, he would change the subject... Listening to Martha made him want to try again.
“Anyways, I have to go and I guess you too, resting time is over!” She stood up, jolly.
With a small wave and a wish for luck she left, leaving Naib alone with his thoughts.
————
They were resting after practice, making a little extra time before going home. It wasn’t raining, just a light drizzle.
“So...How was today, amor? You seem a little quiet, something happened?”
“Hm, nothing really.” Naib didn’t look Norton in the eye since he arrived at the baseball field, he kept himself busy pulling the poor grass off.
“...” he felt a hand placing itself on his.
“Did... I do something wrong?” Norton was looking him with curious, worried eyes.
He felt guilty... but his mind wasn’t able to ignore the matter. Norton always denied the possibility of Naib going to his home, even when they were just friends. He doesn’t want to put pressure on him but maybe he could try again?
“Hmm... not really. I just... I’ve being questioning myself about... uh well.”
“You don’t have to tell me if you don’t feel like it...”
“It’s not that!” He raised his voice. “Sorry... it’s just that, are you ashamed of me?”
Norton looked surprised. “W-why would you say something like that? I’m so proud to be with you, where did that came from?”
“You...” Naib felt his face start to heat up. “You won’t invite me to your home... and present me to your family. Is there something wrong with me?”
He finally looked at Norton in the eyes. His looked troubled, chewing his lip.
“Amor... first, there’s nothing wrong with you, take that out from your head. It’s just that... my family is not easy.”
“What do you mean?”
“Uhm... we are a lot of siblings, the house is not that big and my ma is kind of... she may seem rude but I swear she’s a good person. She’s the strongest woman I now. But she’s not easy.”
“I don’t care about that kind of things Norton.” Naib couldn’t hide his sadness. Somehow he still felt they were excuses...
Norton sat silent for a while, biting his nails. Naib took his hand away. The raven smiled at him sweetly.
“Let’s do this then... come tomorrow.”
“For... real?”
“Yeah... I don’t want you to feel bad. We’ve being dating for a while now and yes... I’ve being kind of unfair to you. Is it... a problem if I say you are my friend?”
“No! No, it’s okay... I don’t mind.”
“Alright.” Norton smiled sweetly to him. “Tomorrow then. We’ll walk together.”
Naib squeezed his hand back.
“I’ll like that.”
—————
Naib stood behind Norton as he unlocked his house door. He could hear shouts and giggles inside.
“Alright, come in.” Norton opened the door and made space for Naib to get in.
He was met with a small entrance leading to a hallway. Norton put his keys on a key holder near the door.
“Come on, I’ll present you to everyone.” Norton placed his hands on his shoulders, reassuring him.
“Ya llegue!! Traigo un amigo!”
They got into a living room space where Naib saw 4 kids dispersed through the place. Three where drawing on the floor while a girl was putting together a puzzle.
Everyone got up when they saw them arrive, surrounding Naib. There was a pair of twins that were poking his sides, making him giggle. He noticed the only girl was really tall, maybe taller than Naib?
“Kids, this is Naib, my... bestfriend!”
One of the kids was in front of them in an instant. “Naib! Naib! We talked yesterday! Do you remember me? I’m Ivan!”
“Yes I remember! Hi Ivan, nice to meet you finally!” He kneeled to get a better look.
Norton put his brothers and sister together to present them.
“This is, as you know, Ivan. He’s 4 years old. Then you have the twins... Mateo and Lucas. They are 8 years old. And finally, my lil sis, Fran, she’s 12.”
Everyone greeted at the same time, Ivan trying really hard to get the spotlight. Naib didn’t get a single word of what they were saying.
“Guys calm down! Let me take Naib to the room so he can rest a little! At this pace he won’t be able to even walk! Shoo shoo.”
Naib followed Norton while Ivan took the Nepalese from the hand.
Before Norton could speak, Ivan started.
“This is mine and Norton’s room! Do you like it?” He run to a bed. “This ones mine! This... this is the cool corner!”
“So I’m a loser?”
“Not really, you are just not as cool as me!”
Ivan’s corner was colourful. He had superhero posters on his wall and a box full of toys next to his bed. Plushies littered his bed which was star printed. Some legos were dispersed on his side of the floor... dangerous.
Norton side was more simple. He had a plain mattress and a stand with books and a couple random things. His bed was next to the window which had a small plant and on his side was a desk with a chair. More of his stuff was scattered there.
The bedroom also had a box tv on the corner, with a couple of pillows on the floor, facing it.
Norton grabbed Ivan in arms and they both started to giggle as the little one tried to break free while Norton tickled him. They were adorable.
“Ok so this is my ‘uncool’ side, you can leave your stuff on my bed. Do you want anything to drink?” Ivan was now clinging like a monkey to him, grabbing him from the neck.
“I’ll bring him something!” Ivan jumped down and before Norton could catch him, he fell face first on the floor. He got up and sprinted out the room, laughing.
“Is be alright?”
“Don’t worry, it happens a lot.”
Norton stood while Naib put his bag on the floor and took a seat on his bed.
“What do you think?”
“They are all adorable! I’m so happy to be here. Where’s your ma?”
Norton let a relieved sigh and smiled at him while cupping his cheek.
“She’s at work, she should be here at 8 so you’ll have to help me make dinner.”
“Yeah it’s no problem.”
The door opened and a bunch of kids came inside. At last Ivan appeared balancing three glasses of juice on his hands. Naib helped him as fast as he could, giving his thanks.
The rest of the evening was spent with the kids watching tv while asking random questions to Naib.
He answered most of them, everyone getting interested when he mentioned he was in the boxing club. The twins tried to show him their fight moves, Norton having to intervene when one tried to suplex the other.
Fran got near him and shyly gave him a origami flower, running away when he was about to thank her.
Ivan had got pretty attached to him, and they just met. He constantly searched for his attention or told him stories, Naib listening carefully.
Time passed so fast that he didn’t notice until Norton asked him to help with dinner.
They got to work making arroz chaufa, as Norton called it. It was rice with soy sauce, egg, chicken, sausage and green onion. All cut into small pieces and mixed together, it smelled amazing.
They finished cleaning just as the front door opened. Norton’s mother entered the kitchen, slumping her bag on the floor.
Naib was so excited.
She was petite and had long, curly black hair. She was in what Naib supposed was a nurse uniform. Naib noticed the purple bags under her eyes, a frown to her face. Suddenly his excitement turned to nervousness.
“Miss. Campbell! Nice to mee-“
She didn’t even glance at Naib and passed by him, going straight to grab a cup of water. She drank it all in seconds, the cup making a strong ‘clank’ when she put it on the table.
“No puedo creerlo... cada día hay más problemas. Hoy el señor García no dejaba de llamarme, pidiendo cosas de aquí para allá! Ja! Como si yo fuera su nana o algo así! Estos enfermos de mierda de repente se creen reyes! Una debe correr detrás!”
Naib couldn’t get a word but it was obvious she was mad.
“Pucha ma, debes ponerle límite, estás ocupada y tienes más gente que atender... oye, no se si te diste cuenta pero tenemos invitado.”
“Es que es ridículo!” She grabbed her hair, frustrated. Suddenly she looked straight at Naib. “Who are you?”
“Uhm, uh... I’m Naib Subedar, Norton’s friend.”
“Hmm... Norton never brings friends to the house. A pleasure.”
“Uh-“
“NIÑOS! A COMER QUE SE ENFRÍA!” She shouted, interrupting Naib once again.
He felt Norton’s hand on his shoulder, guiding him to a sit. He tried to relax a little as kids came while Norton passed plates around. He was sat next to miss Campbell.
When they were all ready, his hands were suddenly grabbed. One was with Norton and the other with his ma.
“We are going to pray before eating” he heard Norton whispering.
Norton’s ma started praying a ‘padre nuestro’ and all kids repeated after her, Naib lost but closing his eyes with them, trying to concentrate on their words. They finished after a minute, Naib’s belly hungry.
“Alright, let’s dig in.”
The food was amazing, all of them enjoyed it at its fullest, Norton doing small talk with his ma while Naib listened carefully.
She looked like a strong minded woman... Naib would lie if he said he didn’t feel intimidated by her... but he really really really, wants her to like him.
He was going to leave a good impression.
After dinner they all went to Norton’s and Ivan’s room to watch tv. Naib sat on the floor next to Norton. Ivan decided he wanted to stick close to Naib, so he hugged his arm.
They were watching the news, the kids playing with toys on the ground.
It got Naib’s attention when the news started to talk about a small lgbt festival that was approaching. There was going to be live music, food and activities. It looked fun, maybe he could take his friends there with him... he wonders if Norton would like to go with him too. He would have to buy tickets after asking him.
He heard a scoff.
“This ‘gays’ don’t know when to stop. Nobody wants to see this on the news!” She changed the channel to another news broadcast.
Naib felt his body turn cold. He didn’t like where this was going, he hoped that was all she had to say.
“Ma... don’t start, please.” Norton sighed.
“But Norton, you get me right? Every day somehow there’s more of them, they are everywhere! I can’t stay in peace without someone shoving a ‘pride’ flag on my face. If everyone turns gay, there won’t be anymore children.”
“It’s not like that, you don’t ‘turn gay’, ma.”
“Gay people are not my problem, but they will be judged by god. Their existence is a sin. What do you think, Naib?”
“Ma, stop.”
Oh no, why him. He took a deep breath and smiled to her politely.
“I’m... not catholic ma’am, but Ive always felt that if there’s a god, its full of mercy and understanding. Everyone... deserves to be loved.”
“Hmm.” Naib averted his eyes, focusing on his shoes. “God is perfect, and he knows the difference between his children and sinners. Sinners, will go to hell.”
“Ma.”
“For what I know ma’am, nowhere in the bible it says that gay people are sinners or will end in hell.” This was horrible, shut up.
“You said you weren’t catholic, boy. And now you know everything about the bible?”
“Mom, let it go.”
Naib’s blood was boiling. This was bad. Shut up, shut up!
“Well, I inform myself, especially when Catholics decide to attack everything that’s different to them.” God dammit.
“What? Are you for real, muchacho? Why do you care so much? What are you? Gay?”
“MA, STOP NOW!” Norton shouted, looking distressed.
“Cállate Norton! No te metas!” She roared.
Naib got up from the floor, he pressed his nails to his palm with force, drawing blood, to control his anger. It hurt.
“Well, miss Campbell, maybe I am. And I happily will go to hell if I can be myself, now if you excuse me.”
He left the room.
———
Naib couldn’t believe what happened. He had fucked up. He had fucked up so bad and there was no turning back. Why couldn’t he keep his mouth closed? He was the dumbest fucker on earth.
Now Norton’s mom will never like him. He just dug his own grave.
Upon leaving the room, he closed himself in the bathroom. He was pathetic and weak. Stupid.
He could hear Norton outside the bathroom, calling for him, trying to open the door urgently.
His ears weren’t listening though, he could just hear himself crying. He wanted to go home, so he just ignored him.
He thinks he stayed in the bathroom crying for an hour before he felt somehow capable of standing.
Naib looked himself in the mirror, he really looked like shit. He splashed cold water on his face and took some deep breaths. He really wanted to go home and get into his mum’s arms.
Somehow he felt brave enough to open the door and get out. Norton was sitting on the floor next to the door, his head between his arms. Upon listening Naib he lifted his head, eyes wide.
“N-Naib! Wait, please.” He got up.
“Please... just... don’t.” He couldn’t look at his boyfriend in the eyes. “I’ll go for my things. Is you ma in the room still?”
“She’s... smoking on the back.”
“Alright.”
He made his way to Norton’s room and took his bag. Looking at the hour he saw it was late, 30 minutes left to 12.
“Naib?” He heard someone tugging at his pants.
“Ivan?”
“Are you leaving?”
“Yes... I am”
“Will you come back? I want to play with you.”
“I’ll try.”
He left after that, saying his goodbyes to miss Campbell, who didn’t even spare a glance.
Norton insisted on walking him but Naib refused strongly, wanting to be alone.
He cried all the way back, some random people sneaking glances at him.
He cried when he opened his house door. Giving a weak pat to Babu’s head.
He cried when he entered his mum’s bedroom, she getting up from bed in alarm.
He cried in her arms, until he passed out.
————-
The following days he avoided Norton like the plague.
He wasn’t mad at him, at all. He just felt so ashamed with himself. He had ruined everything.
Norton tried to find him the moment he had a little free time. Searching for him all over the school, but to no avail.
Naib made sure to stay hidden and leave his classroom 10 minutes before the bell. He talked to the teachers, telling them he felt bad, and they always let him go earlier.
He indeed looked bad. Really bad.
He too arrived late to practice and left earlier.
Aesop covered for him most of the time. His friend has always being a little awkward, but even he couldn’t leave Naib alone when he saw him like that.
It was a Friday, he was eating alone outside the bleachers, when Norton finally found him.
Upon seeing him Naib took his things and tried to flee, but Norton catch up to him in a second, holding him from the arm.
“Please Naib, don’t go.”
“...”
“I’m sorry. I’m so sorry I knew I shouldn’t have taken you home. It’s my fault.” Norton pressed a little harder on his arm. “Please Naib, don’t leave me.”
“...”
“Please Naib, amor, I’m begging you. Talk to me.”
“Im... I’m so sorry, Norton. I ruined everything.”
“No, no you didn’t.” Norton took Naib’s face between his hands. “You are so brave Naib, I’m proud to be you boyfriend. Please don’t cry.”
Naib did cry and Norton did too.
They held each other tightly.
———
The night Naib arrived home crying after being at Norton’s, his mum was FURIOUS. Next day she had called miss Campbell and gave her a piece of her mind. Even if Naib begged her not too, she couldn’t let it slip.
Norton wasn’t allowed to go to Naib’s house anymore. He still sometimes went but his ma always called him, asking him where he was.
He always lied to her but had to leave due to her asking him to arrive home fast.
Norton each day looked more stressed. Naib each day felt more miserable and guilty.
This wouldn’t be happening if he just closed his mouth.
It had passed like that for a couple of months before Norton collapsed.
He arrived one night to Naib’s house, with a big bag in his shoulder. He had a fight with his ma and came out to her right there.
He had an ugly bruise on his cheek as she had slapped him in the middle of their fight, Norton grabbing his things and leaving soon after.
“I don’t care what she thinks. I love you and nobody can force me not to.”
Naib didn’t knew what to think. He was happy Norton told his mom they were boyfriends but... he didn’t want it to be this way...
He wanted Norton to say it when he felt ready, he wanted his ma to comfort him, he wanted to be there with him too, he wanted miss Campbell to accept them in her arms.
But things were different. Oh, so different.
Living with Norton was amazing though. They had movie nights with his mum, would take Babu on walks and would cuddle whenever they want.
Naib loved to wake up next to him everyday.
But, Norton was hurting. He tried to not show it but he deeply missed his siblings and ma. He could hear him crying at night when he thought Naib was asleep. This wasn’t right.
That’s why Naib was in the hospital’s reception, asking for Laura Campbell. He told the receptionist he needed to talk to her urgently, as it was about his son.
Luckily, they let them in and she was at lunch time, he was directed to the small break room for the hospital workers.
She was looking at her phone with a coffee in hand. Her hair was in a messy bun and she looked as tired as always.
He approached carefully. “Miss Campbell.”
She looked at him, a frown on her face.
“What do you want.”
“I... I need to talk to you.”
“Then take a seat and make it quick.”
Naib took a deep breath and sat in front of her. She was glaring daggers at him, but somehow he wasn’t affected by it.
“We... had a bad start Miss. I’m sorry for talking back to you, I felt hurt by your words. But I’m not here for myself, I’m here for Norton.”
Her frown faltered.
“Norton misses you, he misses you a lot and he’s hurting so bad. I’m not asking for you to like me miss, but please, talk to him.
I know it must be a shock for you to... to know you son is... gay. That he’s dating me. But I can’t lie to you or anybody when I say I love him deeply, I want the best for him.
Please don’t leave him alone, he needs you.”
Miss Campbell took a long gulp from her mug, bringing it with force on the table making Naib jump a little. She stayed silent for what felt like an eternity.
“Naib, I’m not an easy woman. I’m rude and strict. The only thing important for me are my children, and I’ll die any day for them...”
She massaged her temples.
“I’m not blind. I always suspected Norton was gay and lately, he has being so full of life... I haven’t seen him smile like that for a long time, not after his father died. I’m sure it’s because he started to date you.”
Naib stayed silent, waiting for her to continue.
“I don’t like you much, but I must admit it is just because its difficult for me to accept that my baby... likes men.
Fuck... I was rude and unfair to you Naib, and as a good Christian I also failed. Sometimes life is so harsh I forget that god is love and understanding. Faith is always so fragile...
So I understood I’m just trying to justify my fears in the name of god...”
She looked Naib in the eye, her tired eyes full of sadness.
“I’m sorry child. The most important thing for me is for Norton to be happy, and if you make him shine like that every day I think I can learn to accept you. I just... want my baby back.”
Naib felt tears on his eyes.
“Come tomorrow after school to pick him up, I’ll take him to the baseball field after class and you can talk to him there.”
Small tears fell down her cheeks. She held Naib’s hand in hers.
“Thank you.”
————
Naib was nervous, constantly looking at the clock for class to end. He had told Norton he was going to pick him up from class to treat him to an ice cream.
Was it a good idea for him to talk to his ma? Will he be mad at Naib for going behind his back? He hoped not, but he wanted to help, especially when it was his fault.
The bell rang and he run to Norton’s classroom in a flash, waiting for him next to the door.
“Naib? The bell just rang... are you really that exited to eat ice cream?” He felt his boyfriend’s hand on his shoulder. “Or maybe it because you missed me?”
“You know it’s boiling hot today.”
“... not really, it’s cloudy.”
“Well I’m feeling hot, okay? Let’s go?”
Norton laughed loudly and pet Naib’s head.
“Alright babe, let’s go.”
Naib got a cookies and cream ice cream and Norton a pistachios. They then sat under a tree near the field.
He didn’t saw miss Campbell anywhere... he hopes she will come.
“I’ll try to get a job, alright?” Norton said from nowhere.
“Why?”
“I don’t want to be an annoyance-“
“Have you tried to call your ma?”
“No... and I don’t think she’ll want to hear about me.”
“I think she would be glad to hear about you... she loves you, Norton.”
“I... know but, sometimes it doesn’t seem like she does.”
Naib patted his back a little.
“I know she’s tired and always overworks herself for us but... I barely talk to her, like... ‘really’ talk to her. I’m just there to take care of the kids or to do dinner, or clean the house... I wasn’t surprised when she told me she hated people like me...”
“Sometimes people say things they don’t mean in the spur of the moment.”
“But that thought comes from somewhere, don’t you think? Why are you suddenly defending her?”
“Well I-“
“Norton...” they were interrupted, Naib knew that voice, it was his boyfriend’s ma.
Norton froze while Naib looked behind them, it was indeed miss Campbell, standing there.
Before Norton could flee Naib grabbed him from the arm, strongly. Norton looked at him in complete shock, like he couldn’t believe the treason.
“Norton, talk to her. Do it for me, please.”
“B-but...”
“It will be alright, I’m here.” He smiled, trying to encourage him.
Norton looked behind and spotted his ma.
“Can I sit?” She said. Norton nodded slightly, looking at the floor.
She sat in front of them, her legs crossed.
“Shouldn’t you be at work?”
“I... Emily is covering for me today...” she paused, thinking her words carefully. “I’m sorry baby, that’s mostly what I came to say.”
She looked at Naib and he nodded to her, encouraging.
“I’m not the best mother, I heard what you just said... but I want you to know that everyday I wake up just because I love you and your siblings so much.
I’ve being unfair to you, you have always being the ideal son and I didn’t acknowledge your achievements when I could.
I’m ashamed that when you needed me most with you I failed you too... I’m sorry Norton, I don’t hate you, I never could. You are my treasure...”
Norton got closer to Naib, still not looking at her.
“I won’t get in between you and Naib, I decided that your happiness is more important, please, Bebe vuelve a casa? Te extraño...”
“You promise you won’t ever treat Naib again like that?”
“I promise, he’s welcome at our house at any time... Ivan has being asking for him too, you know?”
Norton let a relieved smile and a sob. His mom opened her arms and he almost threw himself onto her, hiding his head in her chest like a baby.
Naib high-fived himself. He couldn’t contain his own smile, happy that everything worked out.
He crossed sights with miss Campbell and she slowly opened her arm, inviting him in with a hint of doubt.
He got close but didn’t really make a move, his mind and body halting until she nodded with a smile.
The three hugged tightly.
———-
Miss Campbell took them to Naib’s house after more words were exchanged.
Naib’s mum invited her to take tea, and send the boys upstairs. They had a talk, a really long one.
“It’s going to be okay... my mum is not one of those who resent.”
“Hm.” Norton was on Naib’s bed, his back to him. The smaller one climbed on the bed and hugged his boyfriend from behind. He felt his boyfriend relax in the hug and turning around to face him.
“I love you, Norton.”
Norton’s face got all red in an instant.
“S-say it again?”
Naib snorted.
“I love you, hehe.”
He felt Norton’s arms pressing them closer and tightly.
“A-again?”
Naib couldn’t contain his smile. He grabbed Norton’s face between his hands.
“I...”
Kiss
“Love...”
Another
“You...”
One more
“I love you.”
Norton giggled (so cute!!!) while Naib covered his face in kisses, not letting go of his face.
“I love you too!”
Norton had a bright smile on his face, looking all cute and happy, making Naib melt on the spot.
——-
That night Norton and his mother stayed for dinner and it turned out to be a great one. Norton’s mum seemed much relaxed and even made some jokes. The same with his mum.
When they were about to leave (Naib and his mum accompanied them to the door), Norton gave him a goodbye kiss. Naib nervously looked at ms Campbell, searching for disgust.
She was smiling at them.
She gave Naib and his mum a tight goodbye hug, taking Norton’s hand on hers and leaving.
Naib stayed on the door until he couldn’t see them anymore.
He knew things were going to be so much better now.