Evan has family problems. He has a special-needs brother whom he adores and clueless parents. His senior class writing assignment is overdue because he ended up in the hospital. The reason why involves his new classmate, Jamison, and the realisation that he is almost certainly gay.<br><br>Jamison has his own issues. His mom died of cancer and he misses her, but at least his dad is supportive. Things are looking up now that Evan is in the picture.<br><br>Christmas is a bust for Evan. Jamison and his dad fly off to see relatives, leaving Evan alone with his dysfunctional parents and ill brother, but at least an intriguing new girl has moved in next door. New Year's Eve looks promising until Evan's parents tag him to babysit his brother while they party. When tragedy strikes that night, who will be there for Evan? With family problems keeping him and Jamison apart, can a death bring them back together?

Free Falling

Christmas wasn’t much fun in our house. It’s probably what goes on in many homes, but Dad is usually a complete asshole and ruins the day, even before he starts drinking. This year, as usual, he brought some guy home from the bar the night before—while Mom was at church. The guy slept on the couch and frankly, he stunk. My brother’s toys never got put together—or they hadn’t until I sat down and started in on them, with Dad and his pal drinking beer and watching some old John Wayne movie on TV. They were both passed out by the time I was done, and I had to take the lit cigarettes out of their hands and stub them out, so the house wouldn’t burn down.


Chapter 13