Noah and Angel were childhood sweethearts and teenage lovers. With youth comes unrealistic ideas sometimes, and also bad choices. But just about the time they reach manhood, Noah’s demons pull them apart.<br><br>Seven years later, he gets a second chance when Angel returns to town. Hoping everything can be different, Noah sets out to remind him how wonderful their past was by secretly sending him thirteen gifts commemorating their happiest times, one on each day beginning December 11.<br><br>By Christmas Eve, Noah hasn’t heard a word back, and wonders if Angel even recognized the meaning of the offerings. When Angel does get in touch, he only remembers the bad things that drove them apart. Can Noah remind him how good they had it, too?

The Presents and the Past

“What say we blow this shit off and go fuck?” I said.


“You’re eighteen fucking years old, Angel. Who cares?”


He rolled off me. “I still respect them, Noah, no matter how old I am.”


“Okay. Sorry. I get it. Come back.” I pulled on his black and orange Dover High T-shirt.


“I have an idea.” He made me sit up, and got real close. He kissed me hard. There were people in front of us, but no one to either side or behind where we sat. “I can get to you like this.” He put his hand in my pocket, then pulled it right out. “I don’t believe you. Tell me it’s empty.”


I had the flask again, a gift from my dad a couple summers after the model boat.


“Tell me the truth,” Angel demanded. I was glad it was too dark to see his face.


Angel stood. “You have a problem, Noah.”


I said it again in the present. “I know I do.”


“Huh?” Angel lifted his head from my shoulder.


Chapter 49