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 was dripping wet,the air cold on my skin.I shivered and tried to open my eyes,but they seemed heavy.


I heard Jeff through the fog and concentrated.It took everything in me to force my eyes open.My vision was blurred,but I turned toward the sound of Jeff’s voice.


Suddenly,I was being lifted and wrapped in something.It felt like a towel,but much bigger.A blanket made of terry cloth maybe?I closed my eyes as we walked across the hall into Jeff’s room.I opened my eyes again,and this time it didn’t require as much effort.Things seemed clearer and I looked up at Jeff.I was on his bed and he was drying my hair.I grabbed his wrist.


“I heard a thump and thought maybe you needed shampoo or something,so I came to the door.When you didn’t answer me,I found you on the shower floor.”


I nodded.But I’d never passed out from one.Was this normal?


Chapter 59