For the first time in a long time, Jameson craved a cigarette. Listening to Liam's story, to how it all was unfair and devastating to be this young and have the world shit on you this badly, he needed the fix. No, he reminded himself. That wasn't what he needed.
Even if he did go back to smoking, it wouldn't change what Liam was going through or make any of the struggles either of them had any easier. His therapist had told him that over and over again, reassuring him that smoking, even that simple urge, was just a temporary fix, one that would only spiral him further into dependency.
The irony, Jameson had realized, of how opposite his circumstances were with Liam's; one was in search of independence, while the other was struggling to cope with his newfound dependency. Both brought together by being at the lake, a special deal of fate, as one might say.
It amused Jameson, no less, but that didn't deter him from wanting to help Liam in any way he could or belittle the independence he still had. With that said, Jameson had a particular plan for today's visit, and luckily, today wasn't nearly as busy as the weeks before.
"Where are we going?"
"I want to show you the eastern side of the lake." Jameson gestured in that direction with his hand, the other still gently holding Liam's forearm. "It's stunning, and I don't think you'll regret it."
As they walked up the slope toward the parking lot, Liam had placed his hand atop Jameson's, finding comfort in it as Jameson directed them along the slightly paved pathway.
"One second," Liam said, pulling out his folded cane from his bag. Extending it and locking it in place, he looked up at the jogger. "I should use this to practice."
"Of course. And if anything, I'll be right here." Jameson led the way towards the paved sidewalk with a nod, letting Liam pause to feel the edge of the curve and divots in the concrete to get a better sense of judgment. As patient as Jameson was, he couldn't wait to show Liam all that the trail had to offer. "The first lookout is about a quarter of a mile ahead; the view is better if we go a little further past it and step down from the trail for a bit. The trees kind of hinder the view from the actual lookout."
Despite the idea of leaving the paved trail sounding terrifying and dangerous, Liam trusted Jameson full-heartedly, knowing he was in good hands. He adjusted his grip, placing his hand along Jameson's bicep as he followed him along the trail.
It didn't take long for Liam to ditch the cane, getting upset when caught onto a rock or a crack in the concrete. He had wanted to practice, but alas, the trail wasn't the best place for it, so he stuffed it back in his bag, settling on clutching Jameson's arm.
Liam had only known about the two observing decks along the trail from the map he's seen at the parking lot. After passing the first and second one and the sparse amount of visitors, Jameson stopped to point to the right of the trail. "It's on the right, next to those redwood trees."
Following the dark-haired jogger, Liam approached the edge of the paved trail cautiously, judging the ground in front of him. Without much peripheral vision left, he narrowed his eyes, trying to follow strictly which steps Jameson took to avoid stepping on uneven ground or on jagged rocks. Even as Jameson stopped to allow Liam all the time he needed, Liam gripped his hand tightly, the foreign area a bit unnerving, to say the least.
Jameson smiled at him, reassuring him that this would be worth it, especially since it offered a more vibrant view of the mountain range and lake they both loved. It was a couple of minutes of walking, along with Liam feeling the barks of the giant redwoods and other trees before Jameson had gestured to the spot. The small clearing overlooked the lake about five yards above the lake's water level. Amused by Liam's reaction, he let him take it in, allowing the different sights, smells and sounds to surround Liam.
From this vantage point, Liam could understand what Jameson meant. The way the sun rays hit the valleys, cast shadows that he hadn't seen from the sandy shore, or from the way being just a little more elevated showcased just how expansive the lake really was.
They remained there, encompassed by the sounds of nature and the sound of their breaths for about fifteen minutes, letting the place speak for itself.
Once Liam was ready, Jameson placed his hand along his arm, guiding him back to the trail before pointing past the tall redwoods that lined this side of the lake. "The waterfall is further ahead; the trail kind of stops about halfway, but we can take it slow, and if you need a break, there are some large rocks we can rest at that's in the shade."
"I think I can manage."
Jameson nodded before guiding him to the end of the trail. Taking a water break before heading up a grassy area. Jameson stopped periodically, checking up on Liam as they trekked the area. Jameson started looking out for any tripping hazards with a couple of near trips, occasionally kicking some questionable stones that were in their path.
"This area is pretty tricky, the paths are quite narrow, so I'll go first, make sure it's not too slippery or filled with debris." Jameson had directed Liam to the narrow path, a few trees leaning over the way. As Liam stared at it, he wondered how mad his sister would be if she knew where he was. Even staying on the shoreline with rain was a bad idea, let alone hiking through a lesser-known part of the area.
It turned out the narrow path was even trickier than Jameson had described. Despite Jameson's calm smile and outreached hand, Liam hadn't expected the path to be slightly damp, small muddy puddles in certain spots. But as the trail opened up, the narrow space they had trekked was the least of Liam's worries.
As he followed close behind Jameson, the ground had returned back to its grayish tone, one that his failing eyes struggled to differentiate. Unlike the sandy shores, the rocks here were the same shade as the ground, the mini shadows beneath them mistaken for stones. Squinting, Liam stepped forward, trying to avoid as many of the rocks until he stepped on one sitting precariously. His foot slid out from under him, his eyes widened as he flailed his arm out, trying to brace him on something. Liam's shriek of fright elicited a quick reaction from Jameson.
"Careful." Jameson leaned closer, using his hand to brace Liam from falling. "I got you. The waterfall is just up ahead, right around this bend. I'll help you climb down; it's kind of steep in certain areas."
Muttering thanks, Liam let out a nervous laugh as Jameson's reassuring hand on his back remained, a reminder that he was there for him every step of the way. Liam would've found the gesture annoying with other people, like his helicopter sister, but with Jameson, it was different. Instead, Jameson's hand was comforting, a silent and non-assuming presence that pushed Liam to continue the trail, to discover and see everything without worrying about the risks.
As they neared the turn, Jameson turned to look at him. "Maybe you should close your eyes for the big reveal."
Liam obliged with a soft smile, closing his eyes as Jameson turned him slightly to the waterfall.
"You ready?" Jameson bent down to whisper low. "Open."
Liam blinked, adjusting his eyes to the light, before taking it all in. It was a small waterfall, one he gathered from the sound but wider than he had anticipated. The water gently spilled over the rocks beneath it, dripping into the lake with a soft splash. Of course, Liam wasn't sure what to expect, given it was a secret gem, one that hadn't garnered the public's attention to be a feature along the official trail; but, Liam was baffled at how nobody considered making this the end of the trail.
It was majestic, magical, and even if it was no Niagara Falls, Liam understood Jameson's hype over this unique spot. And now, it was their particular spot, a secret that, as far as he knew, only the two of them knew about.
"You like it?" Jameson quipped. "Isn't it great?"
Liam let out a breath, words almost escaping him for a second. "It's...perfect."
"And if you look towards the lake, you can still see the mountains from here. Sunrises here are the best; those tourists don't know what they're missing, but I'm glad hardly anybody knows about this. Makes it that more special."
"It sure does," Liam whispered, watching the water as if in a trance. He let the sounds and smells wash over him, trying to soak it all in, embedded it into his memory so that he wouldn't lose it. Taking a hesitant step, he inched closer, desperate to feel the water, the stones, and the flora surrounding them. Jameson stepped in line with him, guiding him closer as Liam carefully navigated around the uneven ground.
"Thank you, Jamie," Liam could barely manage to say.
"No, thank you. I get to share this place with someone now," he told Liam. "Besides that sandy shore, this waterfall can be our spot now too."
Liam didn't correct him, telling him that he wasn't sure if he'd be able to trek this grueling path again, but the sentiment was still there. The waterfall and view from here could still be theirs metaphorically. Instead, Liam nodded. "Yes, yes it is."
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