16-year-old, Nico Bennett is prone to anxiety attacks on a daily basis, despite seeing a therapist and trying medications, they aren’t lessening in frequency or intensity. His parents are getting sick of him running out of class when the spotlight of a simple question is thrown at him. Nico’s friend Ryan Falcon, nineteen (popular, and a college football star), practically from another world, has some secrets. He’s in love with Nico and has been since they met when Nico was fourteen and he, sixteen. Nico has had a crush on Ryan ever since they met when he had a panic attack in class one day. They don’t know about each other’s feelings despite Ryan being a source of comfort for Nico when he panics. Nico’s parents don’t like Ryan, they think he’s a bad influence simply because he’s older. What will happen when Ryan confesses and steps out of the closet? Nico has big dreams of being a writer/singer, well Ryan wants to be an actor. What will happen when Nico decides to leave the house he grew up in because he can’t stand his parents’ and sisters’ judgments? What will happen when Ryan sends a demo of Nico’s music to a studio? What will happen when Ryan reveals other secrets he’s hiding​ from Nico?

The Sea and Its Mysteries

I wake to an empty bed. Ryan probably left to go to his classes. I glance at the clock, it’s eight. If I don’t hurry up, I’ll be late. I drag myself out of bed to the bathroom. I washed my face in the sink. I go back to Ryan’s bedroom to see what I can find in his closet to wear. I find a leather jacket that fits me oddly, and a black and white striped shirt, last some grey jeans with holes in the knees. I look in the mirror, I like the look. Something a musician or actor would probably wear. 


I had to go home today, to get more clothes at least. Maybe I could sneak in my window. I just had to hope Alison wouldn’t see me or hear me. She’d run and tell mom. It was better if they thought I had just disappeared or run away. 


8. Music Zone Silence