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

“I hope you’re hungry,”she said as she stepped back to look me in the eyes.“I got a little carried away.”


“Starving,”I told her and the corners of her mouth curved up.


I joined Jeff at the table and we scarfed down several cinnamon rolls.He drank coffee,while I poured myself a glass of milk instead.He and his mom gave me updates.My grandma had called earlier and spoke with Mrs.Leaton.They were already at the hospital with Pamela and my mom was stable,but still unconscious.


I was eager to get going,so Jeff and I headed out right after breakfast—after Judy gave me one more big hug.She seemed intent on hugging me as often as possible.


Chapter 14