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

Ryan and I sat together on the couch watching TV, we were both apprehensive about whether Maxine would show back up with Alison. Yoselin and Trey took turns coming down and asking what had happened and if we were okay or comfortable. We told them the truth, there was no sense in hiding it anymore, my life wasn’t great but they obviously hadn’t known the extent and we were dating. 


It was still weird to say. I didn’t think I’d ever say it until I was long out of high school. 


“They always did like you,” Ryan commented when they were gone. 


“They’re sympathetic,” I replied. “They lost a child, and I might as well be their child with how much time I used to spend here and just with you. They don’t want to lose me. Even if they don’t want to admit it.” 


“I wouldn’t want to lose you either,” he whispers. 


“I’m not going anywhere, I promise,” I respond. 


14. Chances