Episode 3 Talk

In this episode, our friend group does a lot of talking. Some of it is long overdue.

Ajayi and Farouq finally define the relationship.

Diane counsels Nick on how to navigate Charlie’s illness.

James empathizes with Isaac.

Ajayi is there for Charlie.

Isaac calls out Tao for his behavior.

Isaac tells the group his secret.

Charlie and Nick finally discuss Charlie’s reality.

Charlie confesses to his parents.

Charlie asks for help.

I praise Isaac for speaking the truth of both of us. And find pride in Charlie’s bravery.

I love that Nick’s friends - Otis, Sai, and Christian - are waiting for him on the first day back at school.

I’m really glad that Elle decided to go to Lambert! It’s exactly where she should be. And I love Naomi and Phoenix!

Ajayi and Faruq continue to be the most adorable. I love them so much!

“You’ll have to be sneakier or the kids will be saying you’re engaged by break.”

Hecate bless Coach. 🤣

Okay, I know Nick was on holiday for 3 weeks and that was the last 3 weeks before school started back up. But did Nick really not have time to go see Charlie before term started? Their reunion is adorable as hell, tho.

Diane giving Nick tips on how to help Charlie and deal with his eating disorder is just the best. Diane is the best. Every teenager deserves an Aunt like Diane.

And he does look a little less lost.

The looks between Isaac and Charlie every time Tao shows them one of Elle’s posts are hilarious.

And I really love when Isaac finally tells him to chill. I so adore that guy!

I adore Ajayi. He is such a great teacher, so supportive and actually listens to his students, actually cares about them and their lives. He reminds me of a teacher I had in my Sophmore year of high school. My teacher didn’t know I was Queer, but he did know I was different. He encouraged that and me. He is one of the reasons I am pursuing this writing dream. Though, a few years later than originally planned.

I love this moment between Isaac and James. The honesty and understanding is so beautiful. And look at that grin on sweet Isaac’s face!

I love that Jame knew what Aromantic was. And that he figured out that was Isaac after what happened in Paris and their convo later. Such an intelligent and understanding guy.

This moment between Nick and Tori is so so important. They both care about Charlie so much and are both worried about him.

Though they don’t talk much, here, just them each knowing they are not alone in those worries has created a bond. And that is so important.

Alot happens on this zoo trip. And it’s all very emotional. Oh, and Happy 17th Nick…

Tao is starting to realize that there is something wrong with both Charlie and Isaac. And he doesn’t know what to do about either.

Not going to lie, I love Isaac calling Tao out about being so focused on Elle. Especially after the way Tao behaved when Charlie and Nick first got together. And, from the POV of an AroAce, it really sucks to be the only non-love person in a friendship group of people who are couples.

I love that the girls try to make Isaac feel better. Even if Imogen does go off on a rant about herself. Again.

“We’re supposed to be comforting Isaac.”

We can always count on Sahar to get Imogen back on topic.

I love that Isaac tells the group about him being AroAce. Every word he said, I felt in my soul. It was like he was speaking every thought and feeling I have about myself, as an AroAce.

And I love how supportive the group is! Especially Nick telling the story of how he ‘cried at an am I gay quiz’ when he realized he liked Charlie. So sweet.

I don’t blame Tao for wanting to know what is going on with Charlie. But Nick did the right thing by not telling Tao. It’s Charlie’s story to tell. And he is not ready for everyone to know how bad he is struggling.

Nick and Charlie are quite interesting. Charlie is both confident and insecure. Nick is both strong and soft. Individually, they’re fascinating but together they’re dynamic.

And Joe and Kit play the roles so well. Especially for actors so young. I haven’t been this impressed with young actors since Dylan O’Brien showed up on the scene in 2011 at the age of 20.

I am so proud of Nick for telling Charlie how worried he is and that he thinks Charlie needs help. I am proud of Charlie confessing that he’s scared his parents won’t listen to him.

I love that Nick goes with Charlie, to be moral support, while he tells his parents everything.

I am very proud of, and impressed with, Charlies parents actually sitting quietly and listening to Charlie’s confession and fears.

“My mental health has been really bad, lately. I’ve been finding eating difficult. I feel like there’s a voice in my head, that’s no me, telling me bad things will happen if I… if I eat or do things the wrong way. That voice has been getting louder and louder. Sometimes, it makes me feel really stressed or tired or angry. And I think I’ve been like this for quite a long time. But didn’t want to admit it, and… and now it’s gotten way worse. So I… I was thinking maybe I could go to the doctor’s about it. Maybe they could help.”

Tori listening from the stairs, quietly offering her own version of support, is so powerful.

But it’s Charlie’s final “I want to get better.” that does me in. Every! Time!

See ya next time for Journey