Eighteen year-old Aaron Pickard is dealing with a lot: he’s falling for his straight best friend, his mother has ended up in the hospital after a violent assault by his father, and he’s trying to decide when to come out. Tack on the stress of an upcoming prom and graduation, a part-time job, and the possibility he could lose his best friend, and he’s an emotional wreck.<br><br>Aaron’s best friend Jeff Leaton provides a soft place for him to fall when his life is thrown into chaos, literally holding him each night as they fall asleep. As Jeff helps Aaron navigate through the mess that has become his new normal, Aaron’s feelings for Jeff intensify.<br><br>Aaron’s pretty sure it’s all going to end badly, but he’s holding on to hope.

Holding On

Hours later,I waited in the parking lot,leaning against Jeff’s old Chevy pickup,still upset about the damn detention Mr.Bracket had given me for the first day back after spring break.I kept an eye on the door for Jeff,and when he finally exited the building,he was walking with Kevin Mason.They were laughing about something,but when Jeff saw me,he waved.I waved back,nodding to Kevin.


Jeff jogged to the truck.“Kevin just said he’s having a birthday get-together next week while we’re off for spring break.He’s turning eighteen.Want to go?”


I grinned.“That sounds like fun.It’s been a while since we all got to hang out,”I told him as we climbed into his truck.


“Completely agree,”he said.He found his favorite playlist and turned up the music before we left.


Chapter 6