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

“Aaron,”Grandpa choked out,“you need to come to the hospital.As soon as possible.”


Fear curled in my gut and gripped my heart.“Why?What’s going on?”


I heard my grandpa crying,and I knew.Mom was gone.I didn’t know how I knew or why she was dead,but he didn’t have to say another word.“I’ll be right there.”


I pushed away from Jeff and slid down the bed.“I have to go to the hospital.Can I use your truck?”My voice was eerily calm.Quiet.


“I’ll take you.Aaron?What’s wrong?”


I turned to look at him,my head feeling heavy.“Mom is gone.”


He scrunched up his face.“Gone?What…gone?Oh,my God.”He jumped out of bed.“Get dressed.I’ll go tell my mom.”


Chapter 32