Lost and Found – Chapter 4
-O-
DISCLAIMER: I am not connected to Emmerdale and its characters, which belong to ITV
-O-
"Who was that on the phone?" Jackson asked, as his mother replaced the receiver.
"It was Brad," answered Hazel, "He's on the way home."
"What; run out of waves, has he, or did he lose his surfboard?" Aaron asked with a smirk.
"He thought it would be rude of him not to come and say hello," Hazel continued, "especially as you've travelled all this way."
"I've met him before!" said Jackson.
"Yeah, I know, but he wants to meet Aaron; now that you're both going to be permanent fixtures around here."
Aaron did not answer, but sat in quiet contemplation. For all his bravado, he was still unsure of himself when meeting new people; and he wanted to make a good impression for Jackson's sake.
All Aaron's doubts were laid to rest on their first meeting. Brad was a good-looking, blond, muscular guy with a disarming smile and an easy manner. They hit it off straight away and before long Brad was calling Aaron a "Pommie stud-muffin" and Jackson a "Pommie brickie". The lads gave as good as they got, calling Brad a "beach bum"; but it was all light-hearted banter from the three young men who were fast becoming firm friends.
Brad took Aaron and Jackson on some sight-seeing trips to show them some of his favourite places and childhood haunts. Aaron and Jackson were falling in love with the country; and more deeply in love with each other. It was as if, after being reunited, they were falling back in love all over again. Brad would often excuse himself and disappear for a while when he could see that Aaron and Jackson would rather be on their own; he turned out to be just as tactful as he was friendly.
Sometimes, when Brad was otherwise engaged, Aaron and Jackson would just go walking together; exploring the land surrounding the house. Unlike the time that they were previously together, three years before, they did not have any arguments; they had finally found contentment together. They would often gaze deeply into each other's eyes without saying a word; a silent understanding passing between them. Coming to a new country meant that they were also turning over a new leaf; each of them could sense a change in their relationship; like they had reached another level. Aaron, finally, really knew what love was; and Jackson had never been so in love with anyone before.
All too soon, the lads found themselves on the last day of their New Zealand adventure and it was time to say goodbye. Shane said his farewells at the house and Hazel and Brad accompanied them to the airport. Brad drove his own car this time; he wanted to give his new 'brothers' a lift himself. Hazel smiled when she saw how well they were all getting along; she knew that her husband was just as pleased as she was that the boys had hit it off so well.
"Take care of yourselves!" said Hazel, pulling Jackson into a bear-hug, "I'll miss you!"
"We won't be gone long!" Jackson replied as Hazel embraced Aaron, "We'll be back as soon as everything's tied up back in the UK."
It was Brad's turn to hug Jackson, "Hurry back, brickie!" he said and then pulled Aaron into an embrace, "You too, stud-muffin!"
Aaron had never been a very tactile person, but he did not flinch at the contact. He was now good friends with Brad and he felt comfortable with the display of affection.
On arrival back at her home, Hazel saw Shane waiting in the lounge. "Did they get off OK?" he asked.
"Yeah, no problems; took off right on time!" her bottom lip began to quiver as she spoke.
Shane crossed the room and put his arms around his wife, "Come on, love; they'll be back before you know it!"
"Yeah, I know, I'm just being stupid!"
"No, you're not; you're worrying about your son; that's a mother's job!"
"I never thought I'd say it, but I'll miss Aaron too. He's a cheeky little bugger! But, Jackson loves the bones of him and I know he makes him happy."
"A match made in heaven those two, if you ask me! They're great lads!"
"Yeah, they are." Hazel replied with a smile.
Just then, Brad walked in.
"Are you going back to Bondi; now Jackson and Aaron have left?" Shane asked his son.
"No, I'd rather stay here for a while," Brad answered.
"That's not like you! I thought you had a little business venture cooking with your mates, weren't you going to start up a surfboard shop?"
"It didn't come to anything! They weren't really serious about it; they're too interested in actually surfing to start running a shop!"
"That's a shame!"
"No worries, Dad, I've got something here to keep me occupied, anyway."
"That 'something' wouldn't be called Dylan, would it?" Hazel interjected.
"Dylan?" Shane looked puzzled.
"Yeah," Brad answered, "I met him a few weeks back; we've been seeing each other quite a bit."
"I didn't know," Shane gave a wry smile, "Why don't you ask him round some time, I'd like to meet him."
"OK, but I'm not sure we're at the 'meet the folks' stage yet! Not like Aaron and Jackson!"
"I must say, I'm really pleased that you've hit it off with them. I'm glad you like them; I was afraid you might be a bit jealous."
"Jealous?" Brad was a bit taken aback, "What have I got to be jealous about? Anyway, Jackson and Aaron are really cool! I always wished I had a brother; now I've got two in one go!"
Shane smiled to himself; things could not have panned out any better!
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Back in Emmerdale, Aaron and Jackson found themselves in a whirl of activity; there was much to do before their move to New Zealand.
In the garage, Aaron told Flynn his news. "So, am I gonna be in charge now?" asked Flynn.
"Yeah, you're the senior bod now; the head honcho!" Aaron grinned.
"New Zealand, eh? I hope I'm invited on lots of holidays!"
"Yeah, 'course! Cost you a fortune in air fares though!"
"I'll easily be able to afford it; when I've got a string of garages!"
Both lads laughed together, "In your dreams!" Aaron chuckled.
"When's the new lad coming?" Flynn decided to steer the conversation back to business.
"On Monday; he's fully qualified, so he should slot in really quickly."
Later that day, in the Woolpack, Aaron was having a drink with Adam.
"I'm really gonna miss you man!" Adam said, sincerely, "I never thought I'd see the day when you moved half way around the world!"
"Yeah, I'll miss you too. But it's a fresh start, you know; a chance for me and Jackson to make something of ourselves; to find our own space."
"I envy you! Being a farmer is not the ideal life!"
"You could move out there too; you'd soon make loads of friends; the place is filled with sheep!" Aaron teased.
"That's something else I'll miss; your rapier-like wit!"
They laughed, but both felt a tinge of sadness as they contemplated Aaron's departure.
"Where is Jackson, anyway?" Adam enquired, "I thought he'd be joining us."
"He's in Hotten, sorting out some stuff. There's so much to do before we go. He's selling his flat; and his van. I haven't got that problem. The garage belongs to Debbie so I don't have anything to sell. I don't think my Mum would be best pleased if I tried to flog my bedroom here!"
"Your bedroom? I thought you'd given that up already!" Adam was referring to Aaron's frequent overnight stays at Jackson's abode.
"Good point! You should see the place we're getting in New Zealand! Wait a minute, I've got a picture!" Aaron produced his mobile phone and showed Adam the screen.
"Very nice! I expect you'll soon have roses round the door and two point four children!"
"Shut up!"
Adam laughed and went to the bar to buy a round.
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The next morning, Aaron was awake first and he looked across at his lover, still happily dozing on his pillow. He could not resist it; he planted a kiss on Jackson's lips, which roused his boyfriend.
"What are you up to?" said Jackson, a big grin illuminating his face.
"Just waking sleeping beauty!" answered Aaron, with a smile.
"Oh well, another busy day ahead; still lots to do!"
"I know; it all seems to be going so fast!" Aaron said.
"Not having second thoughts are you? You've only got to say the word and I'll tell Shane it's all off!"
"Hell, no!" Aaron looked stunned, "Don't ever think that I want to back out!"
"Just making sure," Jackson cuddled Aaron to him, "I saw how sad you looked after meeting Adam last night. You're going to miss him, aren't you?"
"Of course I will. But, he's my best mate, not the love of my life! You're the one I want to be with, you and only you!"
"Come here!" Jackson pulled Aaron into a lingering kiss; but he reluctantly broke off, "We'd better get up; I've got some people coming round looking at the flat later."
"Yeah, I suppose a free sex-show might put them off!"
"I dunno; it might be a good selling point!"
They both laughed.
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Paddy called in at the Woolpack as he had done countless times. He sat at the bar and Chas served him.
"Not long now!" Chas said; Paddy knew exactly what she was referring to.
"I know," answered Paddy, "It doesn't seem possible it's nearly time for them to leave, does it?"
"I'm really going to miss him," Chas had a sorrowful look on her face, "Well...both of them."
"The place won't be the same without them. Still, you can always go and visit."
"It's a long way, Paddy, I'm just afraid we'll lose touch!"
"I'm sure that won't happen. The world's getting smaller all the time!"
"You're coming tomorrow night aren't you; for the 'big send off'?"
"Yeah, of course, wouldn't miss it for anything!"
The Woolpack was packed on the night of Aaron and Jackson's farewell party. All their friends had turned out to see them and they were offered more drinks than either of them could manage to consume! Chas cried, Paddy also wiped away a tear, but underneath it all they were happy that the couple were starting afresh in a new land, full of exciting opportunities and adventure. A bright future lay ahead of them.
It had been pre-arranged that Jackson would stay the night in Aaron's room at the Woolpack; he was certainly in no fit state to drive home! Aaron cuddled his boyfriend all night; as if to let him go would mean that he had lost him again. But he knew, deep down, that he had Jackson for keeps this time. He had come to realise that he loved Jackson with all his heart and soul; and he knew that Jackson felt the same way about him. He felt so happy that he sometimes thought that his heart was going to burst; he was so loved-up.
Almost before they knew it, the big day had arrived. Chas, Paddy and Adam waved them goodbye at the airport, hoping that they would be together again one day. Aaron was so excited; knowing that he had finally gained the fresh start that he so desperately desired; and with the man who would always be the only one who would ever be important to him. Jackson looked at Aaron and knew how happy he was and, in turn, it gave him great happiness too. He was so pleased that they had found their way back to each other again; and he silently wondered if there were forces in the universe that pre-ordained such things. If there were, he was eternally grateful to them!
Hazel was her usual, excitable self when they touched down in New Zealand. Brad had driven her to the airport; he was just as keen to greet his new relatives again. They chatted happily on the journey back to the house, although, this time, both Aaron and Jackson succumbed to jet-lag and Hazel and Brad chuckled at the sight of the pair of them dozing in the back seat. They had to make conversation between themselves for most of the journey.
Hazel, Shane and Brad settled the couple into their room at the house and left them to sleep off the jet-lag. Jackson was the first to stir; he looked at Aaron sleeping next to him. He always thought that Aaron was at his most gorgeous like this; sleeping just like an innocent baby! But, that's who he was; his baby! No-one could have been any happier than he was at that moment.
Aaron and Jackson joined Hazel and Shane for breakfast. Brad had already left the house to meet some friends.
"Did you sleep well?" asked Hazel.
"Like a log!" Jackson replied.
"These are for you, son," said Shane, handing Jackson a bunch of keys. Jackson was surprised and touched that Shane had called him 'son'. He knew that it was often used as a general term, but he felt that it was a personal statement on Shane's behalf.
"What are they?" Jackson asked, thinking that at any moment Aaron was going to be a smart-arse and say that they were keys!
"They're for the lodge," Shane replied, "The tenants moved out last week, so it's all ready for you and Aaron to move into. You're welcome to stay here for as long as you want, but your mother and I felt that you two would prefer your own space, away from us old 'uns!"
"Thanks," Jackson was feeling quite emotional; he looked at Aaron and smiled, "but we want to pay our own way."
"I know you do; you're proud men, both of you. But you'll be working for the family firm and the lodgings are part of the package, OK? That's if you both like the place, you haven't seen it yet."
"We'll pop down there after breakfast and take a look," Jackson said.
"It's all furnished," Hazel said, "so you can settle in whenever you feel like it! I've left some food in the freezer if you get hungry later on!"
After a short while, Aaron and Jackson walked down the driveway to the lodge. It was a beautiful day in glorious surroundings and Jackson felt that things could not be any more perfect. He extended his hand to grip Aaron's, half expecting his boyfriend to brush his hand away; but was surprised when Aaron intertwined his fingers with his own! Aaron turned his face to look at Jackson and they shared a brief kiss before continuing; hand in hand, down the driveway. It occurred to Jackson that bringing Aaron to a new country had also given him a new perspective on life and he liked what he saw. The lodge was a cosy little place; on the small side, but easily large enough for the two of them. They looked around excitedly, inspecting each room in turn; a lounge, kitchen, bathroom and two bedrooms.
"That will be handy, babe!" said Jackson.
"What will?" queried Aaron.
"A spare bedroom, we can have people over to stay and they'll have somewhere to kip!"
"If they come any more than one at a time, we'll have to put bunk beds in there!" Aaron said with a grin. Jackson laughed.
Aaron crossed the lounge to the patio doors, "Babe, look at that!" he gasped.
Jackson joined his lover to look at the view; lush green trees leading downhill to a wide valley, illuminated by the bright sunshine.
"It's beautiful!" Jackson said, quietly.
Jackson put his arm around Aaron's shoulders and his boyfriend leaned into him. "Happy?" Jackson asked.
"It's like a dream; I keep thinking I'll wake up in a minute!" Aaron said.
"It's a dream I've had for a long time, to be in a place like this, with you by my side," Jackson said, with a contented sigh, "no regrets?"
"Regrets; about what?"
"About leaving everyone and everything behind!"
"That's not important; the only person I want to be with is right here in front of me. I'll always be happy if I'm with you; no matter where we are."
A kiss came naturally at that moment; it felt so perfect, so right.
The kiss ended and they gazed into one and other's eyes, still holding on tightly to each other.
"You're all I want; all I need, I'll always love you," Jackson had never been so happy in all his life.
"You've turned my life around," Aaron replied, looking longingly at the man he adored, "I love you too; I'll love you forever!"
One thing was certain beyond all doubt, the love they shared would always see them through; anywhere in the world!
