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 get up before Ryan does again. I lay out my clothes and put on some black jeans, a white t-shirt and I steal Ryan’s leather jacket again. My bruised eye has turned from purple to brown and yellow. I can open it fine and it doesn’t hurt anymore. I fix my hair, brush my teeth and wash my face in the bathroom. I think the water wakes Ryan up because he stumbles into the dimly lit hallway rubbing sleep out of his eyes. 


“Do you want me to drive you? I don’t have to be at classes till ten,” he continues. 


“Do you want to go out for breakfast? We have time,” he asks. 


“Let me get dressed,” he replied slipping back inside the bedroom. 


9. Bad Luck