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

After a quick stop at the bank,we headed to the hospital.As I opened the door,I heard crying and my heart sped up.Jeff and I exchanged wary glances and I forced myself to move into the room.


My grandparents stood on either side of the hospital bed and my sister clung to my grandma’s arm,tears running down her face.


I peeked around my grandpa,stunned to see my mother sitting up,her eyes open.“Mom!”I cried and ran to her.


Her lips curved into a partial smile and she slowly moved her gaze to me.She licked her lips and her mouth moved a little,but I couldn’t hear anything.


“Honey,wait,”my grandpa said,“don’t push yourself to speak.”


Hot tears sprang to my eyes as I watched her glance around the room.I beamed and let out a whoosh of air—I hadn’t even been aware I was holding my breath.My mom reached out her hands.Pamela grabbed one,while I took the other.She tried to squeeze,but I barely felt it.Yet I didfeel it.


“Mom,are you coming home now?”Pamela asked.


Chapter 26