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

“Mom?Mom!”I cried,clutching Pamela.


A large,bulky man in a police uniform pulled me up from the floor,forcing Pamela to follow.I tried to push back so I could stay,but it proved useless,the man being as strong as a bull.My sister clung to me,tears pouring down her cheeks.


He ushered us into the kitchen,where several other police officers waited.The first officer motioned for us to have a seat at the table,which we did.


Pamela scooted her chair closer to me and grabbed my hand.I squeezed hers to let her know I was there for her.We would get through this together.I had failed my mom,but I was notgoing to fail my sister,too.


My eyes scanned our tiny kitchen for Jeff,but I couldn’t find him.Dread swelled inside my chest and I jumped from my chair.


“Jeff?”I called,my voice filled with panic.My heart raced and a bubble of fear pushed at my chest.


“Hey,”he said,resting his hand on my shoulder.“I’m right behind you.”


Chapter 10