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

“Dad!Stop!You’re going to kill her!”I screamed,trying to turn his attention onto me and away from her.Instinctively,I balled my hands into fists,then froze for a second,scared of the monster inside of him,yet terrified he would murder her.


Dad stumbled wildly toward me,searching me out with his bleary eyes.“Don’ya try tell me wha’t’do,”he slurred,then looked lost,like he had forgotten what he was doing.


“Mom?”I called,making my way past my dad.My body shook and I felt icy fingers grip my heart as I tried to see if she was conscious.


“Call Nine-One-One!”I demanded without taking my gaze off my mom.“NOW!”


I could see Jeff from the corner of my eye as he pulled out his cell and warily watched my dad.Knowing Jeff would get the police here,I squatted next to my mom,but kept an eye on my dad also.As the alcohol took complete control of his brain,his reflexes slowed,but he tried to lift his leg for another kick.Unbelievable!


Chapter 9