Page 24 of Navigating His Heart
Aria looked up at him, “I’m just afraid that everyone still sees me as the girl with cerebral palsy. That I will never be known as anything else. I mean, the boys make fun of me and the girls are just rude. I don’t have any friends besides Raegan.”
Bo looked down at Aria, “Friends will come and go. I know that for certain. I didn’t have many friends either. I still don’t. Only West and Hudson. Raegan is a true friend. And the kids in school are just stupid. They don’t see an amazing person right in their midst. That is their failing. Not yours. You just keep being who you are Aria and never apologize for it. I know there are great things heading your way. I can feel it.”
Aria’s eyes went liquid, and she wrapped her arms around his stomach. “Thank you Bo. It means a lot to me. I really just want to be normal. You know?”
Bo kissed her head again, “What’s normal anyway? I can tell you that no one is normal. No one in their right mind anyway. The kids just don’t have something like you do. But I guarantee they all have demons they are fighting. They all have a story. So, while theirs isn’t visible, they all have issues. If someone doesn’t, then they should count themselves lucky. I know I’m grateful that I have had the life I have. That the issues I had made me stronger. They make you stronger too. They make you a better person. The bigger person. Be proud that you are who you are. You will come out the other side stronger than ever.”
Aria looked up at him, tears swimming in her eyes, “Really?”
He nodded, “Really. I don’t doubt that for a minute. You are amazing Aria. Do you see how far you have already come? How much you have overcome in the face of such hardship?”
Aria nodded slowly, and he went on, “The kids in your class couldn’t handle it. That much I can guarantee. You are special, Aria. Not because of your disability, but because of who you are inside. I’m so fucking proud of you. I see you. See how hard you work and see the things that most don’t. And it’s not because I’m your brother, but because I got a front seat to it all. I got to see you become this amazing woman that is so perfect to me. Keep your head high Aria. You are a Queen. You always have been. And someday, you will find someone who will see it as I do.”
Aria hugged him tighter, “Thanks Bo.”
He just held her on the swing for a few minutes, “I meeting the girl I’m going to marry today.”
Aria looked up at him with wide eyes, “What?”
He nodded, “She is going to cut my hair. I need one.”
Aria laughed, “Yes you do. But, how do you know you are going to marry her without even meeting her?”
Bo shrugged, “I just know that she is meant for me. That she is meant to be mine.”
Aria shook her head, “How do you know though? What if she is a crazy girl? What if she has issues?”
Bo used the tip of his finger to gently poke Aria’s nose, “If she has issues or is a crazy girl, -which I know she isn’t,- then we will deal with it as it comes. I will always be there for her. I don’t know why she is so different than all the girls I have met before. How this one girl that I haven’t talked to and only seen a picture of could be so different. I just feel it in my soul that she is more. That she is special and that there is something that calls to me. She has this inner light that practically calls my name and I know it’s because it was meant to call only my name. That she is the woman I have waited for. Longed for. Wished for for far longer than I want to admit.”
Aria smiled slowly, “Well, good. You deserve it Bo.”
Bo laughed, “I can’t wait for you to meet her.”
Aria nudged him, “I can’t wait foryouto meet her.”
Bo smirked down at her, “Little imp.”
He tickled her side for a second, and she laughed, “It’s true!”
He smiled wider, “Alright, alright. I will let you know what happens later. Okay?”
She nodded, “I’m excited to hear. And I really am happy for you.”
Bo sobered, “Truth be told, I’m a little nervous. This is the first time I will be meeting the love of my life.”
Aria smiled, “It will be amazing. If it’s that meant to be like you say, then I have no doubt that it will be perfect.”
Bo nodded, “Thanks. I need to say hello to mom and dad. Are they here?”
Aria shook her head, “It’s just me.”
Bo sat back against the swing, “Well then. Tell me about school.”
Aria talked to him about school and how she couldn’t wait to go to the new school and take the new classes she signed up for.
Especially jewelry making.
Bo listened with rapt fascination until she stopped talking, and he looked down at his watch, seeing that he would be late if he didn’t leave.
