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 didn’t have time to figure him out,hurrying inside to see my mom instead.By the time I reached her room,I was a mess.Guilt from not seeing her,confusion over Jeff…it was all beginning to be too much.I took a deep breath and tried to calm my nerves before I pushed open her door and entered her room.


To my shock,she was sitting up in bed.Well,halfway,at least.The adjustable bed was elevated at the top,allowing her to lean back.Her head was turned away from the door and I wondered if she was actually awake.


She turned and looked at me,a smile playing on her lips.“Aaron!”Her voice was rough,but she still sounded like herself underneath it all.


Oh,my God,talking!I rushed to her side and froze.I wanted to hug her,but didn’t want to hurt her.She raised her arms and I leaned in carefully.When she hugged me and began stroking my hair,tears poured out of me,a flood I couldn’t stop.


Chapter 28