When Terry turned eighteen, he became homeless, abandoned by family and friends for being gay. Though it took him years, he has found his feet again. Then, a man from his past knocks him right back down, dredging up a memory of the time Terry stood by and did nothing as that same man was assaulted for being gay, driving home to Terry that he will never be worthy of friendship or family.<br><br>Ishmael is shocked, angry, and hurt at seeing Terry so many years after high school. After Terry’s apology, however, Ishmael realizes that Terry is hurting and scarred, too. He and Terry become cautious friends. Ishmael wants to help, but Terry is reluctant to trust anyone with his pain, let alone love.<br><br>Can Ishmael and Terry get over their past for a future together?

Remember Me Not, My Love

I avoided the park for the rest of the week, trying to sort out my thoughts. The man had stirred things in me that I hadn’t even known were there. The daily grind for survival usually meant my mental energies were tied up with earning a paycheck. This was new territory for me, and I was at a loss as to how to deal with it—and him.


The next Monday, he cornered me outside Shoe Haven as I finished securing the roll up door.Great.


“Terry, I’m sorry, okay? I didn’t mean to freak you out like that. I’m just concerned, is all.” I really wasn’t ready to have this conversation. I looked at him, willing myself to speak, but the words wouldn’t come.


I adjusted my backpack and headed to the bus stop two blocks down from the store, Ishmael hot on my heels. He was persistent, I’d give him that much. I checked the time. Ten minutes until the next bus arrived.


Chapter 7